Jessica Müller
Jessica Müller is a contemporary abstract artist who lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Jessica Müller is a contemporary abstract artist who lives in Brooklyn, New York. Born in 1989, native from Switzerland and Brazil, her distinctive personal style emanates the richness of growing up between opposite territories - and the collision of such contrasts. Tropical landscapes and cold alps, chaos and order, Bossa Nova and Après-ski are all brought to life in this collection. Jessica graduated in Design at PUC of Rio de Janeiro, and in Fine Arts at SVA - NY.
"My work explores the contrasts and amalgamation of the different cultures that built my character. Growing up between two opposite homes, I always craved for an idea of identity and a sense of belonging. It was always imprinted in me how strongly the place we live can have such a vast influence in how we think, behave, and who we will become. Combining mixed techniques, colors and materials I explore the frictions between my motherlands, my faded memories, moments of nostalgia, and the constant search of belonging."
Daniel H. Rey
Curator
The critical distance between Brazil and Switzerland is shortened to just a few millimeters in Jessica Müller’s work. With rigor, the artist harmonizes distant territories by way of vibrant textural arrangements.
Textile and synthetic, Müller’s highly tactile compositions appear to externalize deeply contained feelings of nostalgia. Her audiences may potentially agree that her identifiable visual language surveys landscapes, materials, colors, and shapes while grappling with saudade and fernweh all at once.
With artwork names triangulating Portuguese, German, and English, Müller frames her work within the frontiers of language, homeland, and memory. Yet, the pieces act as courageous attempts at redrawing, pushing, and perhaps escaping those very boundaries.
Overall, the artist’s works are a robust invitation to feel and react to the contrast of textures and lands. Müller prompts viewers to imagine their own ideal geographies with one message: that once we have been touched by a place, it is vital to stay (in touch).
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
What are some of the central themes you pursue in your work?
The frictions, negotiations and paradoxes between European and South American culture, geography, history and traditions - and it’s impact on self-identity.
How has your art practice developed over time?
I was born into a very artistic family. My father was a brilliant Swiss artist, sculptor and designer. He was my biggest inspiration and first mentor. Ever since I can remember, the only thing I’ve ever wanted to be was an artist.
Jessica in process
What drew you to work with your medium/media of choice?
I grew up in my father’s art studio - painting has always been part of my life. After moving to New York I felt the need to research deeply about my family’s cultural and historical background and its impact on who I was and wanted to become as an artist. Through art I found a bridge of communication between my emotional conflicts and the territorial opposites that built my identity. I believe that’s when my work started to grow stronger conceptually in its autobiographical content, a practice that opened myself to discover new techniques, mediums and materials.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?
The need to innovate. Art is always an amalgamation of inspiring fragments of the infinite references you’ve seen before, but I’m always searching for that unique element that only I could pour into my art and call it my own.
Jessica Müller in Studio
Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.
I live in an Artist’s loft/studio in Brooklyn with my husband - also an artist, photographer and musician. Art is more a part of our routine than sleep is. We are constantly working on something creative. I am painting, sculpting or experimenting with new materials every single day. The process of having an art studio in your own home can be challenging but it is what keeps me constantly creating, learning and evolving as an artist.
What future directions do you envision for your work?
My work is autobiographical, so just like myself, it is a constant work-in-progress. I believe it will never be finished, but will only grow and evolve as I continue to work on it. But the direction I’d always like to steer it is to always remain sincere and coherent with my roots, emotions and vulnerability.
See more of Jessica Müller’s work
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