Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Van.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a photographer now living in Los Angeles. I am originally from California’s Central Valley but moved to New Mexico for a couple of years before returning to California to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Photography and Media at the California Institute of the Arts. I began taking photos at a very young age, but my artistic journey truly started when I enrolled in classes at Modesto Junior College. Influenced by many important people in my life, I started to see art as a career path for myself. It was then that I knew that I wanted to create art that emotionally connects with people. Photography has always been a medium for me to bring people together. Following this passion, I attended CSU Stanislaus, where I earned a BFA in Graphic Arts and a BA in Art History. It was after my undergraduate experience that I realized how difficult it is for artists to have a network outside of an academic institution. This realization led me to become one of three co-founders of a nonprofit gallery in New Mexico. A key component of establishing this gallery was the creation of an Emerging Artist Program designed to support and nurture emerging artists. Currently at CalArts, I am focusing on my photography and video works that explore themes of memories, identity, communication, and emotional expression.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think everyone faces obstacles and challenges in their life, whether it be professional or personal. For me, my artwork has been a medium for expression and a way to advocate for myself and others. More specifically, navigating societal expectations can be challenging, but it is important to find your voice. Discover what you love and care about, and then believe in yourself in whatever you pursue as you move forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work has primarily focused on using the body to explore body autonomy, time, memory, identity, and communication. In 2018, I started a series called “Sessions” where I explored my body autonomy by discussing life experiences and allowing the camera to capture long-exposure images of my body moving in space. This process resulted in thousands of images over a span of five years. The human form has always been at the center of my work because although our understanding of ourselves and each other is mediated through culture, preconceived notions, and biases, it is through our bodies that we learn to negotiate our identities and how we are perceived. I aim to highlight the expressive nature of existence and how we connect with one another. I bring attention to the act of expression and advocate for self-expression. To communicate, it becomes necessary to not only listen but to look. Recently, I have been experimenting with transferring photographs onto wood panels to create larger-than-life photographs that are a commentary on societal expectations.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I really love artist books. I have some beautiful books by Mona Kuhn that are precious to me. Here are a few artists who inspire me (The list could go on forever, but here is an abbreviated version):
Ana Mendieta
Ann Hamilton
Carrie Mae Weems
Catherine Opie
Cindy Sherman
Francesca Woodman
Janine Antoni
Louise Bourgeois
Mona Kuhn
Here are a few photo books I recommend:
“On Photography” by Susan Sontag
“Feeling and Form: A Theory of Art” by Susanne K. Langer
“Photography Against the Grain” by Allan Sekula
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jennifervan.com
