Joanna Turner
As a figurative artist, the driving force behind my work is an enduring interest in the human body and mind.
Utilizing predominantly oil paint, I depict the human form to examine emotion, perception, sensuality, and intimacy--those elements which make us innately human.
Human anatomy and the vulnerability associated with the nude figure is a dominant motif throughout my work. My subjects are most often women with whom I identify. My interest lies in exploring humanity at its most natural and raw state to inspire connection. By stripping away all material things, I can focus on exploring the inner psychological state of each subject while simultaneously delving into my own.
I do not want the women I paint to be resigned to the category of beautiful objects to be admired, instead I want to humanize them. I paint women to empower the
physical bodies that have so long been oppressed by societal standards of beauty and subjected by the male gaze. Ultimately, in each piece, my goal is to achieve emotional resonance, in which the viewer looks at my work and truly feels the presence of the subject.
Joanna Rose Turner
1998 Born in Gaithersburg, MD
Education
2016 Northwood High School, Silver Spring, MD
Humanities, Arts & Media Academy- Visual Art Pathway
2020 University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Major: Studio Art
Department of Art Honors Program
Exhibitions
2016 Public Art Installation, Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro, MD
2020 Honors Midpoint Show, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
2020 Honors Thesis Exhibition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
2020 Senior Exhibition, University of Maryland, College Park, MD