Details:
① Artwork:
Lift
This painting is part of a series by the artist depicting characters that are simultaneously anonymous and personalized. These works are scenarios where figures attempt to connect with each other or with their surroundings. In this composition, the distinction between awkward and graceful is blurred; the main subject displays vulnerability and uncertainty as they react to the absurdity of their situation as well as the all-too-human desire for physical and psychological connection and comfort. The artist's paintings often seem to suggest a larger narrative, while isolating figures in the boundaries of the canvas.
Jaqueline Cedar creates paintings and drawings that address uncanny scenarios where characters engage themselves and one another with sincerity and purpose. The artist's compositions depict moments of desire and self-reflection, as well as figures whose lack of control motivates postures of both bravado and vulnerability.
Specs:
③ Artist:
Jaqueline Cedar’s paintings and drawings depict uncanny scenarios of desire, self-reflection and lack of control. The artist’s work features figures whose strong inclination toward action is frustrated by their absorption in their own thoughts; they are filled with a sense of impending doom and uncertainty, while simultaneously acknowledging the absurdity of their circumstances. In Cedar’s compositions, the environment echoes and amplifies these figures’ gestures—actors and observers who appear ready to escape at any moment.
Jaqueline Cedar was born in Los Angeles, California. The artist received an MFA from Columbia University in New York City in 2009.
A solo exhibition of Cedar’s work took place at Shelter in New York City in 2023 and 2021.
Exhibitions of Cedar’s work have taken place at: Hesse Flatow in New York City; Ladies’ Room in Los Angeles, California; Smoke the Moon in Santa Fe, New Mexico; TV Projects in Brooklyn, New York; Hudson Hall in Hudson, New York; and Field Projects in New York City. She has an upcoming group exhibition at Serious Topics LA.
Cedar’s work has been covered in publications, including: Artnet, Hyperallergic, Two Coats of Paint, New American Paintings and Boston Voyager.
Cedar is an educator at several New York City art museums. In 2019, Cedar opened the gallery Good Naked in Brooklyn, New York. Cedar lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.
