"This is the last time" by Jessica Strang

Acrylic and Chalk on Canvas

16'' by 20''

Jessica Strang is a Chicago based artist whose work explores the relationship between her cultural identity, human relationships and the complex emotions experienced throughout her life. She weaves these themes quietly into her paintings through hidden messages in English and Spanish that invites the viewer to focus on the meaning of the work beyond the visual presentation. The subject matter of her work ranges from examinations of love and longing in romantic relationships, political statements stemming from her bicultural Latina heritage, and interest in street art. Jessica’s interest in street graffiti, seen while travelling the world, plays an integral role in her work. She uses textures and materials to replicate decaying city walls in many of her works as an homage to the beauty of city life and changes in a fast-paced environment. Her use of street art is a nod to the political graffiti often seen in Latin American countries, ways for people to quietly present opinions that are in direct opposition to the majority. Throughout her work, Jessica explores the psychology behind each work and the layered meanings of human experiences. She often explores the concept of cognitive dissonance- to feel discomfort felt when people have conflicting beliefs. Her use of color to express emotionality asks the viewer to tap into their own personal experiences. Jessica was born in the United States and she is a first generation Latina, born in the Chicagoland suburbs to her Ecuadorian and Colombian parents. She spent her childhood and adolescence frequently visiting Boston, where her father lived, and Ecuador, where her maternal relatives reside. Currently, she resides in Chicago. Jessica is a self taught artist and although her formal training is in clinical psychology, she has been a lifelong student of art, having grown up in her father’s art and photography studio and studying art history and psychology while attending DePaul University for her undergraduate degree. When she is not painting, she works in her own private psychology practice. Jessica is also the designer and founder of coco + peach jewelry, a brand that has been featured in the international editions of Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Marie Claire and L’Officiel as well as runway shows and ad campaigns in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.