Jane Westrick, "Two Finger Lead"

Artist Statement

My paintings explore performances of gender in locations such as the gymnastics arena, soccer field, and ballroom dance floor. In this series of works, I paint couples who defy the traditional roles and aesthetics of ballroom dance. My paintings show moments of feminine strength and leadership, masculine grace and flexibility. By disrupting traditional roles, I envision alternative modes of expression for dancers of all genders.

Artist Bio

Jane Westrick received an MFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has participated in residencies at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Vermont Studio Center, and the International School of Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture in Umbria, Italy. Her paintings have been featured in New American Paintings, and exhibited in New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere in the US. Since 2014, she has taught undergraduate courses at Mason Gross School of the Arts, including Painting, Drawing and Visual Thinking. Jane lives and works in Jersey City, NJ.

Two Finger Lead", Flashe on paper, 7 x 7 in, 2021, $100