Joanne Julian: Garden Spirits

Tufenkian Fine Arts is pleased to present, Joanne Julian: Garden Spirits, a solo exhibition of works on paper by Los Angeles-based artist Joanne Julian. This exhibition will feature a selection of small-scaled framed works as well as larger vertical scrolls from the artist’s ongoing “Botanicals” series. The exhibition will be on view from June 16 to Septmeber 16, 2023 with an artist reception to be held at the gallery on Saturday, July 15 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Joanne Julian’s practice traces the exploration of contrasting elements and profound moments. Her artworks skillfully capture the interplay between light and dark, spontaneity and precision, fear and joy, and youth and age, often encapsulated within a single vision. Through her drawings, she achieves an intoxicating blend of freedom and restraint, evoking dreamlike experiences. Influenced by Japanese print designers like Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, as well as Japanese Zen brush painting and calligraphy, Julian's work exhibits a remarkable harmony between black and white, and a delicate balance between negative and positive space.

The works in this exhibition are heavily influenced by botany and nature, drawing inspiration from Julian’s childhood experiences working in her family's garden and her current horticultural practice. From fruit trees and vegetables to various botanicals such as roses, pansies, and ferns, Julian's upbringing instilled a deep connection with nature. Her father played a significant role in teaching her gardening techniques and the art of pruning. After moving into her own home, Julian’s garden became a resource for her artistic practice.

In this body of work, Julian draws from life, employing traditional methods by creating working drawings outside. She often brings the botanicals inside her studio, meticulously studying their intricate details on her drafting table. Her subjects range from vibrant flowers like Bird of Paradise, Amaryllis, and Iris to the delicate fallen petals from neighboring trees. The series reflects Julian's deep connection to nature as she meticulously transforms found organic forms into intricate and visually striking compositions. The artist’s drawings skillfully capture the interplay between light and dark, exploring the beauty and complexity of the botanical forms that she engages with on a daily basis.