Jessie Cuadra

I seek to create a contemporary approach to classic subjects such as women, landscapes and still life with the application of traditional painting methods.

Colour and composition are the focus of my work, with a restrained colour palette used to emphasise form and style. Using a practice rooted in the exploration of past traditions, I revisit domestic issues, exploring female artists and their connections to my own life. This helps me gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a female artist and the difficulties that arise with co-existing as an artist, mother, and caregiver.

As a contemporary artist, I strive to make works that have a timeless quality, bridging the traditional and contemporary, with a desire to create pieces that speak to a wide audience.

The works selected mark significant moments of evolution in my painting. I have handpicked pieces where I have noticed a real leap in style and a progression in my work during this last year at ARU.

Throughout this journey, my focus has been on exploring the nuances of still life — a genre that has allowed me to experiment with colour, brushstrokes, and textures. It's been a year of painting to understand how I paint and reflecting on my style and choices.