Jillian Evelyn

Jillian Evelyn

BY KATE ZALIZNOCK

Jillian Evelyn is a Los Angeles-based artist who creates expressionist interpretations of the female nude figure, frequently conveying emotions that range from bewilderment to utter annoyance. The moody tone of Evelyn’s work is very much in-step with a growing, reborn appreciation of the feminine cultural viewpoint—one that is fraught with both confinement and resilience. We caught up with Evelyn to discuss her thoughts on the art market, fellow artists, exhibitions and more.

Galleries are important but I do think that there are a lot of old school rules that need to go. I’m starting to see a lot of artist push back and I’m interested to see where it will go. What do you see as the role of the gallery in the evolving global art market?

Photography. When I was an art student, I found it diffcult to appreciate photography. It just didn’t grab me the way painting did. Those feelings have changed a lot. I’m often inspired by a photographer’s eye. What have been some unexpected sources of inspiration for your work? Brianna Rose Brooks (@staytender), Muzae Sesay (@Muzae), StickyMonger, Jordy Kerwick… and basically any one that Pt. 2 gallery shows. Who are some of your favorite emerging artists?

Your work is very reminiscent of the beatnik style of art from the 1950s and ‘60s. Was this era an influence on your work? If so, can you explain a little about who/what/why this time period has inspired you, and how it has played a role in shaping your style? I hear that often or that my work reminds people of Grecian art. I’m sure both of those have had some sort of subconscious impact on me but nothing I purposefully sought out. I have always been really inspired by Charlie Harper and the Mission School artists—Margaret Kilgallen and Barry McGee.

What has been your favorite reaction to your work? I can’t think of a favorite reaction but I can tell you my least favorite. I hate when a male looks at my work and tells me how sexual it is. My work rarely has anything to do with sexuality. I find it unfortunate that some people only think of sex when they see the nude body of a female.

Where are some of your dream locations to create or exhibit work? I’d love to show in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sol, Mexico City, and Paris.

What has been your proudest moment professionally so far? Getting to be featured in Juxtapoz Magazine. I think I’m still in shock about it.

Are there any specific curators you would love to work with? I’m still trying to figure that out and where I want to go next with my work.

You’ve said that early on you were inspired by musicians you would want to create posters for. Who are some of your favorite musicians now? I feel very behind with music these days. I mostly listen to podcasts or something instrumental while I work.

What are your favorite aspects of the creative community in Los Angeles? The people. I’ve made some really close friends here and most of them do something in the art world.

I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on the feeling of being caught in society’s expectations and now I’m looking to push that idea. I’m exploring what it means to take up space and push out of those boundaries.