Jessica Matson-Fluto : Spectrum
On view 28 September - 4 November 2018 in the East Gallery

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ARTIST STATEMENT

Spectrum consists of prints, paintings, and mixed media drawings. The monotype prints were the first element created in this body of work. By drawing silhouettes of the female form, a template was created which ultimately became a symbol. This symbol represents strength, commanding presence and voyeurism. Power is given to these abstracted or concealed women as they are positioned to gaze at their viewer in an apprehensive manner.

The paintings and drawings were the second development in this work. Due to the current political climate, I had a strong desire to celebrate, glorify and empower women, the LBGT community, and those of various ethnicities. The portrait paintings and drawings are collaborative pieces depicting the model in a posture of their choosing along with color and symbol incorporated into the backgrounds to help personify their character, background, or experiences. The background is slightly disparate from the model as this is a space they are not actually occupying but wish to be; symbolizing the dream for eradicating intolerance in order to achieve an ideal place to be present.

The nude figurative paintings again portray women, but this time the fully rendered figures are taking on a different role. These poses portray the emotions associated with the uneasiness of the times.  The women are displayed as feeling vulnerable by covering themselves, turning inward with their thoughts, or being disengaged from the viewer. The women are coupled with highly saturated, abstract backgrounds with color choices to symbolize particular emotive states.

Jessica Matson-Fluto is known for her figurative work focused on the female form. Her paintings, drawings, and now prints have been included in group and solo exhibitions nationally and can be found in public and private collections throughout the United States. Active in the regional arts community, Matson-Fluto teaches as an adjunct professor at Minnesota State University Moorhead.  She received her MFA from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and continues her artistic education by partaking in workshops and master classes nationally. She resides in West Fargo with her husband and twin sons.