Jennifer Mones
Jennifer Mones (b. 1993, Pacoima, CA) creates deeply personal and evocative oil paintings that explore themes of psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and humanity’s complex relationship with nature. Influenced by artists like Soey Milk, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Remedios Varo, her work delves into the surreal, often touching on the occult feminine and figures such as Persephone and Artemis.
A lifetime of searching for belonging and healing has left an indelible mark on her artistic practice. It’s actually what got her interested in art, philosophy, and psychology. Connecting and learning about the world this way has been her go-to solution to navigating the grief that comes with the human experience and gaining a deeper spiritual relationship.
Over the past two years, Jen has exhibited in over 40 shows throughout Detroit- including three solo exhibitions at Congregation in Detroit, New Dodge Lounge in Hamtramck, and Two James in Corktown. Her work has been featured in venues such as Playground Detroit, Gallery 46, Garage Cultural, and the Detroit Artists Market.
Jen’s oil paintings, marked by her technique of translucent, layered colors, bring light and vibrancy to dark and deeply emotional subjects, offering a window into both the beauty and pain of human existence. The vibrant colors and tropical flora in her work are influenced by her roots in Colombia and the Dominican Republic, where her parents are from. She looks forward to growing her career and artistic practice.
Artist Statement:
My work delves into the deep currents that shape the human experience— psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and our ever-evolving relationship with nature. Influenced by thinkers like Diogenes and Emile Cioran, I explore the existential themes of death, interconnectedness, and the profound mystery of existence. Central to my practice is a fascination with the occult feminine, particularly through the figures of Persephone and Artemis, whose stories embody cycles of life, death, and rebirth. My paintings also engage with feminism, honoring the strength, mystery, and wisdom inherent in these archetypal female figures. Through the lens of surrealism, I weave together elements of dream and reality to confront urgent environmental issues, portraying humanity's strained yet intrinsic bond with nature. My vibrant color palette brings these themes to life, offering both tension and harmony in their juxtaposition. I work with thin layers of oil paint, sanding in between each layer to create a translucency that allows colors and forms to interact subtly through sfumato, evoking a sense of depth. The smooth, luminous surfaces invite viewers to look closer, revealing hidden connections and layers of meaning, much like the subjects I portray. In every piece, I aim to explore the fragility and resilience of life, highlighting the delicate balance between destruction and renewal, chaos and order, individuality and universality.
Website: jennifermones.com
Instagram: @senomneart
