‘Stop Clicking Around,’ Mixed Media, 2016

 j4 is a collective of four persons, all given names beginning with j, who are compelled to explore transindividual composition

Artist Statement: “My work reflects my interest in the private/public domains of the home. Using the daily routine as an inspiration, my paintings are intended to be scenes of comfort. While they are familiar scenes, they lack clarity. Using rapid application, drawing, or keeping the board or canvas visible, I want my paintings to represent candidness as well as the idea of fleeting memory. Creating diary-like works on Mylar, I am cataloging the inner thought that goes on behind every day. The home is associated with the feeling of comfort and being safe. I want these paintings to reflect that while targeting themes of anxiety, restlessness, and the anticipation of change.”

‘Mr. Justin,’ Oil Paint, 2017

‘Zzzzz,’ Oil Paint, 2017

ALISON KRUSE was born in Princeton, New Jersey. Alison Kruse is graduating from Queen’s University with a degree in Fine Art. Her work reflects her interest in the private/public domain of the home. Using the daily routine as an inspiration, her work is intended to be scenes of comfort while still hinting at underpinnings of anxiety, restlessness, and the anticipation of change. Heavily inspired by Nordic art, her style is expressive Impressionism.

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THANDOKUHLE MSIBI is a nineteen-year-old artist from Johannesburg, South Africa. He can be best described as “the radiant 2nd child” or “the modern day Basquiat” as possesses similar skills of art and ethics when working. His work is just, thoroughly honest. Thando possesses this type of eccentric nature which helps set him apart and create timeless works of art. He makes all the radiance of his energy seem channeled with every piece he creates. He does not limit himself; he explores and experiments quite a lot, but, most importantly, he does what he feels, regardless of how it’s going to be received. Because in the end whether his work is understood, or misunderstood, it boils down to being another art contribution; it can either make you feel something, provoke a certain kind of emotion or, a certain thought. But as his inner energy is channeled into his work, then that alone is just him voicing his feelings out to the observer and receiver of his work.

Artist Statement: “There is a systemic shift in women’s perception of themselves. Evident in professional environments, social and romantic, women find themselves projecting the attributive behaviors of their male counterparts in language and action. 

Professionally, it is expected for men to be aggressive about salary, raises and promotions. While women may work harder, they won’t ask for the upward mobility, even if they are the most deserving. To be motivated and forward thinking as a woman in business is an annoyance to many, even amongst their female peers. 

Socially, women can “hang with the boys.” Equal alcohol consumption with disregard to their competitor’s significant disparity in weight is trophy worthy, or at least qualifies for a hi-five. Romantically, women are more forward physically. To be sensitive and vulnerable is a weakness, to feel emotion and connection, an unnecessary burden.”

‘Mind Suck,’ Acrylic on canvas, 2016-2017

‘Netflix and Chill,’ Acrylic on canvas, 2016-2017

MADELEINE RHONDEAU is from Crozet, Virginia and graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia with a B.A. in Studio Art. Painting is her primary medium, through which she investigates the issues of adolescent memory, female development, and female sexuality. Madeleine currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia.

‘Faded Memories Meld Together,’ Acryllic and House Paint on Canvas, 2017

Born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1994, AMANDA JONES was encouraged in her artistic pursuits from an early age. For four years she studied a classical approach to oil painting before being attending Florida School for the Arts and then on to Flagler College in Florida. She has spent the past year working at the Plum Gallery in St. Augustine, Fl. and will be finishing up her final year with a Bachelor’s in Arts. She intends to further her artistic education both under instruction and on her own.

“Untitled,” Acrylic on Canvas, 2017

NIA SMALLS is full-time student studying Painting at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. Through her fine art studies, this New York native works in immersive, experiential art. She uses painting within her practice as a sketch for the greater digital works, which she creates using projected footage of abstracted landscapes.

‘Floating,’ Mixed Media, 2016/2017

GABE HALES is an 18-year-old high schooler based out of Okemos, Michigan who has always loved creating and capturing with a lens. He’s worked with major corporate companies such as Context Summits on photography and videography of their events in the past and has a few jobs lined up in the future as well. Ever since he was a kid he’s loved looking at the world through a lens.