Artist Statement
Alexandra Zizmor creates contemporary portraits that explore myths, societal norms and the unspoken rules in human transactions. Stemming from imagination and memory, the artist cultivates her imagery through acrylic and ink on canvas. Her diverse subjects encompass family and friends, as well as heroes and villains. Drawing inspiration from Austrian Expressionism and Fauvism, the artist places emphasis on flattened forms, decorative patterns, and a strong economy of line.
Implicitly embedded in much of her work is a subtle yet powerful social commentary, reflecting her deep-seated desire to convey universal truths. Her artistic process is marked by its serendipitous and surprising nature, deliberately steering away from rationality and intellect to focus on capturing the essence of her subjects. The depth of her commitment to sharing their truths manifests in nuanced expressions and unexpected textures, providing viewers with a profound exploration of the intricate complexities inherent in human experience.
Zizmor’s creative approach rejects realism, focusing on imaginative faces with distorted or exaggerated features to capture her subjects’ psychological states. Starting with pencil and ink, each composition is infused with vivid colors. The artist’s use of metallics and pattern function as symbols that are key to the narrative of each piece. Her use of gold and silver paint aims to flatten the picture plane in a style reminiscent of Klimt’s Golden Phase.
Incorporating personal narratives akin to an American quilt, Zizmor weaves together the stories of people who have shaped her life. Their influence encourages an unmasked approach to self-expression, urging viewers to embrace their authentic selves beyond societal expectations. Set against bold color fields, the artist renders large faces with startling proportions, sometimes featuring an absence of noses bookended by oversized eyes and lips. Blank gazes from these subjects confront the viewer as if to challenge the conformity of their surroundings, as well as their costumed persona.
Bio
Chicago-based artist Alexandra Zizmor embraces contemporary portraiture as a means of scrutinizing the dynamics of beauty, power, and authenticity. The advent of the pandemic marked a pivotal juncture in her artistic journey, serving as a cosmic catalyst while she navigated the enduring effects of Covid and contemplated issues of mortality. Zizmor’s journey into art began as a young adult through collecting, culminating in the attainment of an M.A. in Connoisseurship and the History of the Art Market from Christie’s Education, New York, NY. Viewing the art world both as an observer and a student fueled her transition to painting. Her inaugural solo exhibition unfolded at the Derfner Judaica Museum in New York, NY which earned a review from The New Yorker. In 2024, two pieces from her Chasing Beauty series will be showcased in a forthcoming book by Ron Kovach, past president of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Architecture & Design Society. Zizmor’s work is featured in numerous private collections throughout the United States.
