Jacqueline Huskisson is “a person who draws, not a drawer.” Everything she does, whether it be lino printing, projection mapping or sound and digital elements, Jacquie claims that it all “starts as a drawing”. PILOTENKUECHE is no different and this Canadian-based artist is exploring the city by putting pen to paper.
Jacquie utilises the power of anthropomorphism. With Art Spiegelman’s MAUS as a reference point, we see the true ability of animal-human hybrids to deeply explore the human condition. Themes of memory, trauma and horror can be explored by presenting figures one step away from being human. Jacquie’s work allows her and the viewer to explore “weirdness, terror, and horror”. Her graphic style highlights the narrative of her characters.
Notions of the body, of reality and the strange are a key focus. The walls of Jacquie’s studio are now distinctly feline in nature. Through half-human, half-cat characters, the uncanny and strange is emphasised. These creatures are simultaneously familiar yet unknown. This, coupled with the nudity of some figures, creates a dichotomy between the bestial nature of animals, and the supposed elegance and familiarity of the human form.
The narrative of her characters is not the only one being developed here in Leipzig. Jacquie is exploring her own family’s roots while here. With her mother’s side of the family stemming from Leipzig itself, Jacquie has noticed how comfortable she feels in Germany. The rawness of her experience here, although not being directly depicted, will be channelled into her work.
Jacquie’s work often “diverges from itself”. Wanting to “play” and experiment with her style and use of materials on the PILOTENKUECHE residency, Jacquie is already testing new techniques. Actively searching out the underground art scene of Leipzig, there will be no lacking in inspiration. No matter what Jacquie produces for the upcoming exhibitions, it is sure to draw us all in.
Written by Rosie Shackleton
To see more of work from Jacqueline Huskisson, visit her website, and you are welcome to the following exhibitions:
Almost Tension
vernissage:
Sat 29 Feb 2019
7PM
performance:
TBA
Alteshandelsschule
Geisserstr 75
04229 Leipzig
open:
Sun 1 Mar, Thur 5 – Sat 7 Mar
2PM-6PM
Hard Fluid Betrayal
vernissage:
Sat 21 Mar 2019
7PM
performance:
TBA
open:
Sun 22 Mar – Tue 24 Mar
2PM-6PM
PILOTENKUECHE
Franz-Flemming-Str 904179 Leipzig