M E L A N E E C O O P E R G A L L E R Y

Interview from Arrested Motion

Preview: Jeremiah Ketner @ Melanee Cooper Gallery

Tranquil Contemplation

One of the shows we are looking forward to this weekend is Jeremiah Ketner’s “Morning Showers” opening on November 7th at the Melanee Cooper Gallery in Chicago. Ketner has really taken his work to another level with his recent shift to focusing on a central character and a mastery of his distinctive color palette. There really seems to be a comforting sense of balance to his compositions in this new body of work. He was gracious enough to take some time to answer some questions about the show as well as share some new images with our readers … after the jump.

Morning Showers

Arrested Motion (AM): Can you tell us a little about this show? Any themes? Messages you are trying to get across?

Jeremiah Ketner (JK): I came up with the theme for this show as I was taking my morning shower. My best ideas come to me as I am in the shower. There is something about being enveloped in a stream of water that allows me to become deeply entranced in my thoughts. The theme “Morning Showers” is a loose theme, open for translation.

I have always been influenced by aesthetics, especially in Japanese design. From traditional kimono designs to flower arrangements I am fascinated with their use of color and design. Nature is also a powerful influence. The change of seasons and floral patterns play a significant role in my work. I tend to shift my palette as the seasons change. Flowers and patterns are used to evoke a sense of depth as they become entangled with my subjects, creature and human.

This Time We Shall Part

AM: We notice that there has been a little evolution in yourstyle recently to include central characters in your paintings. Is this a conscious decision? What is your thinking behind this shift?

JK: For a long time, my work has focused on the idea of finding happiness when things seem ugly outside. Bright colors, cute inviting characters and floral designs would populate imaginative worlds. Running with these ideas a new direction has emerged. The once friendly cute characters have grown up and now navigate a new imaginative landscape. As I close my eyes, visions of a central figure seem to always appear. Eventually they surfaced in my paintings and act as a focal point inviting the viewer into a playful place free of ugliness and filled with simplistic aesthetics.

Crimson Morning

AM: Thanks Jeremiah! Enjoy some more preview pics in the gallery below and please stop by for the opening if you can this Friday. Please contact Melanee Cooper Gallery with all purchase inquiries.

Melanee Cooper Gallery
740 N. Franklin
Chicago, IL 60654
312.202.9305