Andrew
Jess Valice, 2022, Oil on canvas, 60" x 54"
Through the vacant stares of her subjects, Valice communicates the kind of retreat that is required to cope with a world that seems to be falling apart. In Andrew, the lack of obvious emotion behind the subject’s eyes is paired with the drama of the oversized, red ears. There is powerful comment in the juxtaposition of his expression that says, ‘nothing much going on here’ and the freakishness of the ears that gestures towards trouble. Valice masterfully captures the feeling of alienation that defines our lonely, burning world. Her work both challenges and makes peace with our unspoken mantra, It’s only business as usual.