Dark Waters 2017

Jana Brike’s “Dark Waters” brings together a scene of young women riding dolphins in a stormy sea. It’s a painting that feels both contemporary and timeless. I imagine Brike starting with thin washes, letting the figures emerge slowly from the depths, like a Polaroid developing. The dolphins—smooth and grey—are amazing, but it’s the wildness of the sea that gets me. Look at those dark, thick waves in the background, rendered with short, choppy brushstrokes. They create an incredible sense of movement and depth, pulling you right into the scene. The artist clearly has a passion for both narrative and the physical qualities of paint. Those ribbons woven into the girls' hair, for instance. See how they catch the light, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise dramatic scene? Painting, for me, is about this kind of exchange – a conversation between the artist, the materials, and the viewer. It’s a beautiful, messy process of discovery, and Brike’s work is a great example of how that process can lead to something truly special.