Jackie Tufford’s practice incorporates drawing, sculpture, photography, video, installation and performances. Over the past year, her work has become more specific and gendered, questioning women’s roles today in a fast-paced technological society where communication is abundant and socially confusing. Her wire sculpture wearable dresses communicate a delicate, graceful, transparent cage, which also acts as a protective barrier. Even though the dresses may suggest a delicate grace, like that of a ballerina, they are very awkward and heavy to wear. This uncomfortable weight and balance is part of the art.
The mixed media pieces use wire, thread, ribbons, ink and paint, and activities such as sewing and weaving are a part of the process. The women portrayed in each scene are in intimate spaces or perhaps quiet solitary moments women may have during their lives. Her artwork balances delicate grace and antiquated feminine styles with suggestions of awkwardness, sexual vulnerability and domesticity. The use of wires, ribbons and threads symbolize the importance of holding on to connections, while highlighting the importance of communication within our relationships.
Jackie’s recent work includes “The Kitchen Explosion”, a Performance and Sculptural Installation. This artwork promotes Celiac Disease awareness. Celiac is an inherited autoimmunity disease that affects one out of 133 people and 97% are undiagnosed. Someone diagnosed with Celiac Disease cannot digest any food containing wheat, gluten, barley, malt and sometimes oats.
Jackie is an interdisciplinary artist and curator from New Jersey currently residing in South Florida. She has earned two Bachelor’s degrees in Art History and in Fine Art from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master’s degree in Fine Art from Pennsylvania State University. Her work has been exhibited all over South Florida from galleries in Tampa to Miami. Most recently, one of her designs won best of show at the Fashion ARTillery, a wearable art fashion show at the Armory Art Center.
Jackie is currently an adjunct art and design instructor at Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL and at Palm Beach State College, Lake Worth, FL.
We'll be continuing our discussion of the role that personal experience plays in contemporary art, and some of the many ways this is expressed.
