MARLENE JORGĒ cover artist.

eurodivergent Dominican American artist Marlene Jorgē is a pop surrealist living in Austin, Texas. An avid painter since age 5, Jorgē’s mediums have expanded into airbrushing and digital painting over time.

Her first debut in PEPPER Magazine was in Vol. 1, no. 8, which remains available to our readers through our collection both in print and digitally. For this, her first cover spot with us, we curated her depiction of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as she’s well known and loved by our home city, San Antonio, Texas. It’s also safe to say that Marlene is well on her own way to icon status herself. At the very least, her work deserves global recognition.

"My process is made of impromptu expression and unforced outbursts, and my compositions are like a personal diary with works stemming from volatile emotions that well up within my mind and inquisitive spirit. I try channeling my creative urges in order to produce unique artwork by extracting all creative juice from daily emotion-triggering activities, as much as from more personal, deep realms."

Existing within the creative sector as an individual on the spectrum comes with a unique set of issues. Marlene shares, “as a neurodivergent artist navigating today's dynamic art industry, I've encountered various challenges and sought out specific forms of support to empower my creative journey. Tailored support, inclusive environments, and effective communication have been instrumental in enabling me to fully realize my artistic potential in this unique landscape.

I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support I have received from understanding galleries, insightful publications like yours, nurturing mentors, and empathetic friends and family. These pillars of support have played a crucial role in shaping my artistic growth, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the galleries that have provided me with opportunities to showcase my work, the publications that have featured my art, and the mentors and friends whose guidance and encouragement have been invaluable.

In the midst of navigating the challenges of the current world as an artist on the spectrum, I find solace and empowerment in the therapeutic nature of art. Through my creative expressions, I can effectively channel and process my emotions, providing a constructive outlet for alleviating existential pain, depression and anxiety. Art has become my refuge, offering a constructive space where I can find purpose and peace, even amidst the turmoil I may face on a daily basis.”

Her main takeaway, “while the art industry presents its unique set of obstacles, the support I receive and the constructive power of art as a therapeutic medium empower me to overcome these challenges and continue to thrive as a neurodivergent artist.”

Catching up with Marlene in the now, she tells us, “I am currently working towards my own art clothing brand among other things.

I have a few exciting developments in my artistic journey—there are 3 major upcoming exhibit participations in Europe, new merchandise on the horizon, and a couple of publications.

I was recently awarded The Premier Artist Prize by Art Station which underscores an artist’s remarkable talent and the profound impact their art has within the artistic community. As well, I received the Global Art Virtuoso award by The Contemporary Art Collector which is a recognition to an artist’s talent and contributions to the art world.” Follow Marlene Jorgē @marlenejorgeartist.