Jenny Petite

Jenny Petite is a conceptual figurative photographer who has exhibited across the United States and internationally in France. Her exhibitions include KBM Gallery in Riverside, California, Decode Gallery in Tuscon, Chambre 12 in Lacoste, France, SCAD Atlanta, Music City Art Show, Fifty Forward Gallery, and Ron Sweeney Gallery in Nashville. Jenny has been published by Vita Grandioso book, US Fencing Magazine, The Extravagant book, The Tennessean Newspaper, CMT Magazine, Nashville Arts Magazine, The Scene Magazine, Native Magazine, Nashville Parent Magazine, Watertown Gazette publication, Pierce County Newspaper, Fifty Forward Magazine, Mount Juliet Chronicles, Nashville Ballet Publication, Dance Magazine, Brandywine publication, and The Quarters publication.

Typically referencing Baroque or classical art history as well as creating historical references towards golden eras such as the roaring 1920s, Jenny Petite recreates poses with contemporary inclinations containing models which typically express female empowerment. From portraying models, as well as herself, in poses reminiscent of classical depictions of Venus and recreating characters such as Superwoman, Jenny creates elaborate theatrical presentations which invoke psychological as well as sociological study. Like a theatre director, Jenny choreographs her models into absurd, dream-like, sensual, and even argumentative interactions and behaviors.

These photographs express contemporary discourse in regard to revealing how interiors can shape our consciousness through lucid depictions, such as an endless supply of lemons in a kitchen. The most interesting photographs in Jenny Petite’s portfolio usually contain her self-portraiture as she reveals herself as a dynamic actor interacting with props in a way which conveys a sense of comfort as well as assertiveness. From covering her head with a towel and wearing underwear on a bed laced with eaten fast food and dogs nibbling at her feet, she conveys an unidealized woman in her natural state away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi and Photoshopped perfection.

I’m Tired of Makifn Lemonade out of Lemons (pictured above) contains a hidden expletive in the title suggesting frustration. Awash with lemons, the figure wears a lemon dress and finds the fruit through every foot of the kitchen she inhabits. As if the lemons were a curse rather than a blessing, the analogy of the photograph alludes to the concept of awaiting expectations, only to find oneself disappointed.

Jenny Petite can be described as a cerebral photographer who takes character studies and accentuates and exemplifies narratives which revolve around the role of self and relationships with others. Sensual, provocative, riveting, and absurd, the photography of Jenny Petite challenges notions of familiarity as well as traditional aesthetics. These theatrical photographs reveal an intimate landscape of interiors composing figures, revealing complex psychological impulses into identifying and relating to our past, future, and present. In such a regard, Jenny Petite’s artworks are priceless and timeless in their careful character studies based in nostalgia and questioning the purpose of self as well as others.

https://jennypetite.photoshelter.com