About the Exhibit - The Marks of a Stranger

Jesse Mockrin’s exhibit, The Marks of a Stranger, was on view at Nathalie Karg Gallery in the LES of New York, September 13th - October 27th. 

Jesse Mockrin successfully utilizes traditional subject matter and techniques in her work while also creating contemporary and relatable pieces.

The traditional subject matter referenced in this exhibit is that of Lucretia, an ancient noblewoman in Rome whose rape by the last king of Rome caused a rebellion that ended the Roman monarchy. 

“Mockrin’s work dwells in the dark space where time and mythology collide. It is a perfect eclipse.” (Source) 

Examples of the traditional techniques Mockrin uses are oil paints, traditional baroque characteristics such as chiaroscuro and deep folds in clothing to show dynamism, as well as the use of triptychs (three canvases to communicate one painting) and diptychs.

What makes Mockrin’s pieces feel modern is her strategic eye for cropping her images. Where traditional works would show the full-body, face, and all - Mockrin crops out the face all-together, forcing the viewer to focus on one piece of the painting. 

“Mockrin isn’t really painting the classics, in fact, but something like the bones of them, preserved like skeletons or ruins.... she conveys a sense of history being somewhat out of reach, a broken lineage.” - Art in America (Source)

About the Artist - Jesse Mockrin 

Jesse Mockrin is known for her signature baroque style figurative paintings. 

Mockrin received her MFA from the University of California, San Diego, and her B.A. from Barnard College, New York. 

Mockrin is represented by Night Gallery in Los Angeles as well as Nathalie Karg Gallery in New York. 

She lives and works in Los Angeles.