Venus with Watermelon – Millenial Escapism via Surreal Ceramics
Ceramic Artist, San Francisco, CA
With her porcelain figures, artist and ceramicist Jen Dwyer expresses her own response to the current cultural climate – one of absolute uncertainty.
According to Dwyer “our current political and social climate is arguably the most divisive, chaotic, and turbulent period that anyone of my generation or younger has ever experienced in this country”. Dwyer explores feelings of being lost and an attitude of denial through surrealist sculptures – from cacti to a modern interpretation of a Venus carrying a mobile and a watermelon – that channel our collective doubt to our environment and the social and political whirlwind surrounding us. And of course it does’t harm that they’re really cute and ceramics are so incredibly trending right now.
In the art world currently I find most exciting that…
ceramics is becoming a thing! It seems like the artworld is finally starting to see ceramics as a ‘real’ artform and more than simply a craft based medium.
Number of unanswered mails in your account today…
haha only 5 but after I answered these questions, I will get to them today.
My perfect working outfit…
carhartt overalls or denim apron over black pants + shirt.
My favourite new brand discovery…
hmm not super into brands, but I do love independent designers- currently I love Nina Z’s Clogs (local Brooklyn designer)
My everyday online art read is…
hmm there are so many- I’d say my top ones are : Art F City, Bullett Magazine, I-d magazine, Bustle, Hyperallergic and Creators Project.
Your necessary extravagance is
a nice sketch book or cold brew coffee.
Most ridiculous thing I’ve ever bought…
hmm I bought a really expensive tiny vintage purse when I was in Paris years ago that I’ve never used but will probably never get rid of haha.
My ultimate secret after long working hours…
I watch a lot of bad TV at the end of the nightor in the studio to stay awake- it helps me keep working after a super long studio day 🙂
Favourite collaboration of the art- and fashion world…
I still think my favorite fashion + art collaboration is Chloe Wise’s Bread Bags.
My favourite hashtag…
probably #contemporaryceramics or #thefutureisfemale
On my office table I always have…
art books.
The most arty city is…
I lived in Brooklyn for 5 years before I started grad school- so think I’ll have to represent BK
Who are the best dressed in the art world…
Yayoi Kusama.
Describe yourself with three emojis…
??❤️?
Art world gent I would love to have lunch with…
I heard Brad Pitt is a ceramicist now, so I’ll say him.
Artist(s) we should have on our watch list is/are…
Currently I’ve been loving Honey Long and Prue Stent’s Photography collaborations.
Instagram: jen_dwyer_
Photos by Jen Dwyer
