MEDIUM: Painting, Drawing, Mixed Media

STUDIO LOCATION: 89 at 20 Vernon Street

WEBSITE: jessica-meuse.com

Instagram: @jessicameuse

I strive to capture the essence of a person—their spirit, their truth—by stepping beyond the boundaries of realistic representation. Each portrait I create is less about physical accuracy and more about revealing the layers of identity that exist beneath the surface.

Central to my approach is a focus on authenticity and the absence of guile. I am fascinated by the raw, unfiltered aspects of humanity, the qualities that emerge when masks are removed and artifice dissolves. In my portraits, I aim to distill those moments of openness and honesty, using bold color palettes, exaggerated forms, and expressive brushwork to convey emotional depth.

I see my work as a dialogue between the seen and the unseen, where abstraction serves as a bridge to deeper understanding. By avoiding literal depiction, I invite viewers to engage with the energy and essence of my subjects, finding their own connections within the emotional landscapes I create. For me, this process is a celebration of individuality and the profound beauty of truth in its purest form.