Biography

Jacqui Carney was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 1988. She moved to Johannesburg in 1990 and has lived there ever since. She graduated from Wits University with a BA Fine Arts Honours degree at the beginning of 2011, having majored in painting. Jacqui is currently working full time as a cataloguer at Strauss & co. Fine Art Auctioneers as well as continuing her own practice in painting.

Artist Statement

"As my primary choice of artistic medium I generally work in paint; however as a contemporary artist, I realise that it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay fixed to a single art form without integrating new and often experimental modes of production into one’s image making. I attempt to not only create artworks with significant meaning and intellect, but also to ensure that my artworks are visually stimulating, appealing, and that they invite a critical inquiry from the viewer. My artworks often convey subtle political messages; although I attempt to make this an unobvious feature of the works. Although not through obvious remarks, I do find it difficult to refrain from commenting on my circumstances in often divisive ways. I believe that the conditions which shape our society too shape our image making. As an artist, I think that powerful statements may be made through art when hidden under a surface of ambivalence and unapparent irony. My works act more as observations rather than assertions. I feel that my art is about relaying my personal views about the places I live and the events I encounter, rather than expressing larger concerns which inevitably shape our society"