Jenny Barnette

I grew up in Kuwait, a city where women had no rights. Sexuality was a taboo and sculpture a form of sacrilige. My attempts to study any form of art then was futile. It was not until much later in life, and after waking up from a dream, that I attmpted to create some bronzes. I then briefly trained with an artist in France (spring 2006) and later I found myself drawn to the classic figurative sculpture. Everything fell into place when I turned fifty. My kids were adults and I did not need me to be there all the time so I left to to study sculpture at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. 

In my work, I found it empowering to reclaim womens sexuality.  Though using classical themes, I find myself adding a twist to the past. In my work a woman is independent and powerful. In her world there is no need to have a husband or a man, as she is content with her world. She is confident and relaxed, happy to what she has achieved. 

 

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 14^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.