The use of photography as the first step of the creative process allows Cochrane to freeze moments in time and imbue her works with a cinematographic quality, while also capturing small details that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced society.
London-based Australian artist Jess Cochrane produces figurative oil paintings that depict scenes from the everyday with a focus on the mundane and familiar. Portraying scenes that are universally recognised or experienced, Cochrane creates a thematic thread of consumerism, pop culture and fashion that runs through the artworks, drawing on shared memories and recent history, particularly reflecting on the resurgence of the early 2000s.
The use of photography as the first step of the creative process allows Cochrane to freeze moments in time and imbue her works with a cinematographic quality, while also capturing small details that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced society. Similarly, the incorporation of fashion elements into the artwork, mostly derived by prominent, recognisable sources such as Vogue, becomes a means of unpacking and understanding the impact of pop culture in our every-day life.
The scenes recreated by Cochrane often involve multiple subjects, weaving a story influenced by Impressionist gathering scenes and compositions, with a nod to artists such as Cezanne, Gauguin, Monet, and Van Gogh. Such echoing of an Impressionistic past, further emphasised by the thick, repetitive brushstroke, paired with contemporary details - today's clothing, smartphones, recent technology - reflects a cyclical perspective on the intersection of art and society. The consideration of how contemporary artworks will be perceived in the future, and their relatability to subsequent generations, adds depth to the exploration of history and societal development. Cochrane's paintings capture the joy and glimmer found in small, relatable moments, raising questions about their enduring relevance and connection to future audiences.
