Peony Room
Artist(s): Jess Lincoln
Date: July 24 to August 29
Exhibition Space: Tom Thackeray Gallery
Peony Room (no life lasts forever) was created in Jess Lincoln’s home. This work is an entire room, a single artwork that covers every wall, moving around the corners, and above the doorways, surrounding the viewer.
In centuries past, Mannerist and Renaissance artists created frescoes that stretched from floor to ceiling, transforming entire rooms. These works were meant to demonstrate the wealth, prestige or virtue of the patron, emphasizing the importance of the people and events that would take place in that room.
Peony Room reengages with that tradition in our modern context. Jess wanted to speak to the people and living that had happened within the home. Within Peony Room, scenes of indoor and outdoor spaces blur, with a flower filled garden flanking a vibrant indoor party. Daily tasks are included throughout the space, quiet moments of cleaning and cooking. Through those daily rituals we imbue the sense of home into our living spaces. We care for our homes - arranging and decorating the space so that it reflects who we are, or who we want to be.
Within the home we also foster our relationships with the people in our lives. After creating Peony Room (no life lasts forever) Jess opened the room to her family and community, hosting gathering and dinners. They were surrounded by an artwork that speaks to the intention of the space – a place to cherish the preciousness of connection.
