VENICE BEACH, CA – ARCANE Space is pleased to present “GIANTS”, the debut solo exhibition by LA based artist J Maskrey, running from November 2 to 17, 2024. The exhibition showcases Maskrey’s large-scale paintings, detailing the majestic beauty and resilience of California’s Sequoias. An opening reception will be held on November 2, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
“GIANTS” marks a bold new direction for Maskrey, known for her pioneering “skin jewelry”, fashion design and innovative work as a makeup artist. Now, she turns her creative attention to nature, capturing the powerful presence of the sequoias in both abstract and literal form, evoking both the strength and fragility of these ancient trees.
“I have always considered myself a city girl. Growing up in Hong Kong, I was surrounded by vertical buildings. The Sequoias take me back to cities where I’ve lived. Their vertical presence is alive in the landscapes of my memory bank. The trees speak to me. They are where I feel accepted.”
Her works capture this unique relationship through thick layers of paint, colored and textured, that represent life, survival, and death. With themes of beauty, destruction, and transformation, Maskrey’s paintings explore the connections between the natural world and civilization, and the impact they have
on each other. A portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
This exhibition represents her ongoing evolution as an artist, from wearable art to large-scale paintings.
About the Artist:
J Maskrey’s transition to fine arts is as remarkable as her career origins. Beginning her journey as a makeup artist, she later adorned fashion with her innovative wearable “skin jewelry” designs. J has collaborated with leading fashion houses and cosmetics companies, including Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Kenzo, Ungaro, Estee Lauder, MAC cosmetics, Sassoon and Sonia Rykiel. After a thriving career that took her across the globe, Maskrey shifted her creative focus in 2020, beginning to paint the natural landscapes that spoke deeply to her soul.
“This body of work is a love story that explores the tension between beauty, power, destruction, and perseverance”- says Maskrey.
Maskrey’s artistic vision is rooted in her multicultural upbringing in Hong Kong, Australia, and the UK, weaving together Western and Eastern influences with an undeniable passion for nature. Her academic path includes studies in sociology, Chinese, and visual arts, culminating in her ongoing pursuit of an MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
ARCANE Space, a contemporary art gallery in Venice Beach was co-founded in 2017 by dance and visual artist Morleigh Steinberg, and music artist, Frally Hynes. Dedicated to showcasing thought-provoking works by emerging and established artists of all disciplines, ARCANE Space is committed to creating community through the arts. The curation aims to transform and reshape the way art, story, and space is experienced.
• Exhibition Title: “GIANTS”
• Artist: J Maskrey
• Dates: November 2 – 17, 2024
• Opening Reception: November 2, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Gallery Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Appointments available Thursday)
• Location: ARCANE Space, 324 Sunset Ave, Unit G, Venice Beach, CA 90291 (Next to Gjusta Bakery)
