Jessica Hess

In both observation and celebration of graffiti’s evolution within the local scenery, Jessica Hess’s photorealist oil paintings meticulously capture graffiti’s vibrant interruption amongst urban life. Combining traditional and formal technique with contemporary subject matter, her focus lies within the structure, decay and subtle details of each location. Her large-scale canvases isolate various graffiti-laden structures or spaces, while some of her smaller works pinpoint the subtle imperfections of spray paint and abstraction. Her paintings have become a way to encapsulate and preserve the often fleeting and ever-changing urban landscape, immortalizing each mark long after the walls have worn.

Hess is a recipient of the Trent Burleson Painting Prize, the Faber Birren National Color Award and the Stamford Art Association Award for Excellence. She has been exhibiting nationally since 2002 and has shown at Subliminal Projects, Los Angeles, White Walls, San Francisco, Thinkspace, Los Angeles, Yves Laroche, Montreal, Ferrin Gallery, Massachusetts and Geoffrey Young Gallery, Massachusetts to name a few.

Courtesy of Hashimoto Contemporary