HERE AND THERE

[If you are interested in purchasing a work, please contact the gallery for more information.]

UPPER MARKET GALLERY is pleased to present Here and There, a solo exhibition of oil and acrylic paintings by Jean Pettigrew Whelan.

“I am pleased to present a harmonious convergence of two distinct painting series: "Ozuchi Jima" and "Studio Still Life’s." In this showcase, I invite you to join me in navigating the terrains of untouched landscapes and treasured intimate moments.”

September 1 - 2

opening reception: Friday, September 1, 5 - 8pm

& by appointment

The "Ozuchi Jima" series is an homage to an uninhabited island off the coast of Naoshima in the Inland Sea of Japan. Using the medium of oil paint, I've endeavored to capture the essence of this island's cone-shaped form that emerges from the sea. Within its distinct shape and shadow, bold textures, patterns, colors, and both measured and expressive marks intertwine, reflecting the elements of earth, air, water, ether, and fire. Paint reveals a narrative of the island's history, contemplating the cumulative impacts that have sculpted its features. Through these paintings, I celebrate the infinite possibilities that blossom through the passage of time.

In contrast, the "Studio Still Life’s" series finds its roots in meticulous observation within the confines of my intimate creative space. Using acrylic paint, I've painted selected objects, highlighting their personal significance. From the ceramic Maneki-Neko cat—a cherished memento from a dear late friend—to the time-traveled "Woman in European Art" book that has moved with me through many studios, these objects encapsulate distinct moments along my journey. A sketch of my husband made at the Villa Borghese in Rome, a delicate blue post-it note adorned with my daughter Lilli's endearing bird illustration, and even a fragment of the wall from a 2004 Robert Gober installation I worked as a preparator on at SFMOMA. Collectively, these paintings weave a narrative of life's fleeting instances. The worktable in my studio, often serving as a pedestal for chosen objects, comes alive within these compositions. Jottings of notes, creative sparks, and sketches become an intimate backdrop, encapsulating fleeting ideas and transitory moments. In these paintings, the contents of my worktable are transformed into memorials, both captured and suspended in the ever-flowing river of time. The abstract allure of the "Ozuchi Jima" series converges with my delight at immortalizing observations within the "Studio Still Life’s." Both series share a common thread—their stacking form. One emerges organically through the passage of time, while the other is meticulously crafted by my hands. Within the act of painting, I am anchored in the present moment. My canvases offer windows into my journey, chronicling my life. Delve into the narratives I've woven through my brushwork; "Here and There" beckons you to explore the intersection of untouched landscapes and objects imbued with memory—a testament to the perpetual dance between past and present.