Bio
Jessica Maria Hopkins is a figurative painter who lives and works in Silver Spring, Maryland. Hopkins received her BFA from the University of the District of Columbia and her MFA from Howard University. Her artistic training at Howard University aligns her practice with the painting traditions of Alma Thomas and the AFRICOBRA movement. Hopkins draws deeply from her personal experiences to create vibrant portrayals of human vulnerability, strength and renewal. Hopkins’ work has been featured in exhibitions at The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Delaware Contemporary.
Hopkins is currently represented by CONNERSMITH, and her work is in the collection of the University of the District of Columbia as well as numerous private collections.
Artist Statement
Each figure I paint narrates my growth as a woman. The portraits I create serve as internal and external reflections of my life. I consider the mechanics of life and art to be similar. Life situations have the potential to trigger a range of human emotions. Figuration and abstraction empowers me to visually express my life experiences. I use my personal experiences to create intense portrayals of human vulnerability, renewal and strength.
I view the body as an instrument to be played, distorted and defined through various colors and patterns. With my work it is not necessary for viewers to rationalize what they feel about color. I depict confusion, pain, and optimism with color. Grey tones represent calm while color signals chaos or something uncontrollable.I strive to create an organic experience that elicits an immediate emotional reaction.
Though we are perceived based on physical appearance, we should not follow the norm, but continue to discover who we are without worrying about being accepted or judged.
Jessica Maria Hopkins is a figurative painter who lives and works in Silver Spring, Maryland. Hopkins received her BFA from the University of the District of Columbia and her MFA from Howard University. Her artistic training at Howard University aligns her practice with the painting traditions of Alma Thomas and the AFRICOBRA movement. Hopkins draws deeply from her personal experiences to create vibrant portrayals of human vulnerability, strength and renewal. Hopkins’ work has been featured in exhibitions at The Howard University Gallery of Art and The Delaware Contemporary.
Hopkins is currently represented by CONNERSMITH, and her work is in the collection of the University of the District of Columbia as well as numerous private collections.
Artist Statement
Each figure I paint narrates my growth as a woman. The portraits I create serve as internal and external reflections of my life. I consider the mechanics of life and art to be similar. Life situations have the potential to trigger a range of human emotions. Figuration and abstraction empowers me to visually express my life experiences. I use my personal experiences to create intense portrayals of human vulnerability, renewal and strength.
I view the body as an instrument to be played, distorted and defined through various colors and patterns. With my work it is not necessary for viewers to rationalize what they feel about color. I depict confusion, pain, and optimism with color. Grey tones represent calm while color signals chaos or something uncontrollable.I strive to create an organic experience that elicits an immediate emotional reaction.
Though we are perceived based on physical appearance, we should not follow the norm, but continue to discover who we are without worrying about being accepted or judged.