Label Type
Cultural/Historical ContextLabel
Although very clearly rooted in rigor, painterly tradition, and historicity, Jesse Chapman’s figurative works defy narrative. Familiar, cozy, relatable in tone and scale, these paintings draw the viewer in before slamming the door on any full cognition of the underlying content of the composition. The Wrist shows signs of art historical reference: the shape and positioning of the fingers and exposure of the delicate wrist harkens Christian religious iconography, while the bold outlines, dark shadows, quick brushstrokes, and odd bird’s eye perspective imply a dark, more foreboding intent, similar in tone to Surrealist paintings. As with many of Chapman’s works, this piece gives a nod to its historical roots while simultaneously remaining original and contemporary in its ambiguous storyline and unorthodox composition.