Jesse Zuo
Jesse Zuo is a Chinese, New York-based figurative painter. She earned her BFA and MFA from the School of Visual Arts, forming the foundation for her deep commitment to being a fine artist.
Her art delves into the exploration of womanhood, the sensory experience of our bodies, and the tumultuous journey of emotions. Jesse adheres to the roots of traditional realism while injecting a modern twist with chromatic colors, providing the audience with greater freedom to interpret the time and place of the depicted moments.
Her artistic expressions can be likened to a personal diary, reflecting the life of a young woman navigating the complexities of a foreign environment. The canvas serves as a medium to capture the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs of her journey. Each brushstroke carries the weight of her vulnerability, strength, and the quiet moments when she discovers her own power.
www.instagram.com/chxzuo/
How has the environment you grew up in affected your art practice?
In recent years, since moving across the globe to New York by myself, I have felt most inspired by my day-to-day experiences as a young woman just navigating through life. Think of it as sharing both the good and the bad with your best friend—getting caught in the rain, staying up late, or the relief of finally getting home after a long day. Instead of putting these experiences into words, I create images that visualize the feelings of those moments.
If your artwork was a mirror, what would it reflect?
My artworks reflect my life's personal and intimate moments, with the hope that others can resonate with them. Spending a lot of time alone while graduating college and trying to find my path as an artist during Covid, I found myself to be the only resource for developing ideas. It has been exciting to continuously understand myself better, and heartwarming to discover that others are experiencing similar things. It makes me feel less alone, and I hope my work brings that same feeling to others.
What is the most difficult part (or your least favorite part) of your process?
Sometimes, the anxiety over how to commercialize my work—work that is deeply personal—can be very draining. I am still in the process of developing a healthy mindset for creating things I love while maintaining a broad vision of the art market. I hope everyone gets the recognition they deserve.
Pursuing ‘artist’ as a career is not for the faint of heart. What is the most rewarding aspect of this pursuit
Engaging in conversations with artists I admire about their upbringing has been incredibly helpful. One recurring theme in these discussions is the importance of keeping the creative process alive, acknowledging that luck can play a role in waiting for the right opportunity. It’s crucial to be prepared at all times. If this is where your passion lies, being able to have a career as an artist is a fortunate and fulfilling life to lead.
