I am trying to make art that relates to the deepest and most mythic concerns of human kind and I believe that, at this moment of history, feminism is humanism," said Judy Chicago of her work. Colombian born, Columbus, OH based, Artist Jimena Becerra's magical mix of human figures with nature reflects this desire to create art that concerns itself with the deepest myths of humanity. Calling to mind the nymphs of Ancient Greek Myth, Ms. Becerra's pastel, charcoal and acrylics works capture a transformative motion between being human and being part of the landscape, bridging the gaps by showing that it is a truly seamless transition between the two. Within the world of her work, human and nature are one in the same, demonstrating a deep connection with the earth that cannot be forgotten even within the modern age.
Unique and deceptively complex, Jimena Becerra's oeuvre of work demonstrates a deep love of both her subjects and the geometric principles that govern them. Using muted colors and clean lines, Ms. Becerra creates a fantastical realm in which people are a part of the trees and the trees themselves are people. There is a love of the human form that bleeds through here, curves and angles are lovingly rendered in equal measure, creating a fantastical realm where branches become fingers and faces blend into leaves. The dichotomy of man and nature is erased via the lens of Ms. Becerra's focused line work, inventing a world that defies and exploits imagination, enticing the viewer even deeper into the labyrinthine trails set out by Jimena Becerra's creative energy.
“Metamorphosis” according to Jimena Becerra: “Is not more than a spectacular symbolism of an internal transformation and growth of my own life. In the same way butterflies grow out of caterpillars human beings suffer internal changes due to the circumstances surrounding us. We transform and grow internally to become better." Her expansive vision of the world and its changes radiates with a deep, vibrant understanding of human nature. The desire to evolve and transcend becomes a central theme throughout Ms. Becerra's body of work, eons of development found in every curve even as each figure returns to its "roots". This unique, chthonic outlook on the world provides a safe space for humanity to explore itself within the confines of nature, rather than being separate from it.
Resonating with strong motion and depth, Jimena Becerra's body of work reflects a deep understanding of the place of humanity in nature as we continue to evolve. Celebrated across the Americas, Jimena Becerra's tantalizing oeuvre profoundly puts forth multiple questions of existence that we must face and understand if we hope to continue to grow.
Ruthie Tucker,
Curator and Director
Amsterdam Whitney Gallerie, New York, NY
“Metamorphosis 1”
“The three of Life”
“The Windmill of Love”
“The Four Seasons of Human Beings”
