"Beautiful Grim" by Jessica Ward

Jessica’s Ward’s profoundly affecting graphite drawings have been described as “beautifully macabre”. But underneath her dark and sometimes shocking imagery there is a sort of graceful, utterly feminine quality. In fact, It could be said that her drawings threaten to reconstruct our perception of femininity. It is this juxtaposition, this graceful grotesqueness, that is so intriguing.

She tackles concepts that most artists (and the general public) avoid vehemently; body image, and the sense of control that eating disorders can provide. Ms. Ward’s drawings provide a unique perspective that isn’t often offered so openly, even in the art world. There is purpose and intent in her graphite drawings. Hair is splayed, curled, and tangled around frail bodies. It is beautiful. It is controlled, yet chaotic. Such strong symbolism strikes a chord in any art appreciator. There is no doubt that the subject of her paintings are beautiful. There is an immediate emotional response when one is confronted with a pretty face. But that response is instantly negated by Ms. Ward’s eerily unnatural imagery. She effectively tells you that neuroses, no matter how pretty the face that represents it, is not pretty. To sum it up, her work meets its goal, and pulls no punches.

And let us not fail to mention that, as well as capturing her subject matter so wonderfully, her drawings are also perfectly executed. Her mastery of the medium is remarkable. The obsession with the aesthetics of the body is depicted, yes. But equally fascinating is her engrossment in the aesthetics of the art itself. The affect of the two combined compulsions is powerful, and remarkably original. While most artists start with a pencil in their hand, few stay with the medium to see it flourish, and most move on to paint or ink. Graphite also has an impermanent quality that lends itself to the delicate nature of Ms. Ward’s work.

It is rare that an artist is willing to commit themselves so fully to their vision, especially if that particular vision may arouse slight discomfort. But Jessica Ward grapples with a deeply personal subject, and does so beautifully.

Visit her website: http://www.jessicawardart.com/
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Click on the images below to view her work: