"We're Here!" Sara Jean Odam
Sara Jean Odam is an artist who finds her passion in exploring the world of performance through her vibrant and direct paintings. Her artistic journey is characterized by a unique collaboration between painter and performer, resulting in lively portraits of clowns in various costumes and settings. Working primarily with acrylic and oil, Odam's art embodies the joy and energy derived from her sessions with models, filled with camaraderie, artistic discussions, and personal anecdotes.
Using her keen powers of observation, Odam paints from life, delving into textures like fur, skin, eyelashes, satin, sequins, stripes, tulle, and glitter. Through these rich visual elements, she masterfully examines the language of performance and challenges the perspectives of the viewer, the sitter, and the painter in the realm of figurative art.
Odam's choice to work with clowns as her models proves to be a powerful source of inspiration. The very nature of clowns, using their bodies, masks, and humor to confront cultural taboos, opens up endless possibilities for playful exploration in the darker aspects of human existence. Embracing vulnerability and awkwardness, she skillfully evokes empathy by reminding us of our shared humanity, with all its complexities, aging bodies, needs, and the intricacies of gender and sexuality.
In the heart of her work lies a profound love for people and painting, driven by a desire for meaningful connections and a fascination with how transformation and performance can empower individuals to express their authenticity. Her artwork is an exploration of the interplay between power, agency, and the act of performing.
The title of her exhibition, "We're Here!", draws inspiration from the HBO drag queen makeover docuseries of the same name. This show, watched during challenging pandemic times, left a lasting impact on Odam, revealing stories of resilience, love, and acceptance despite facing hostility. It demonstrated how drag can be a potent means of transforming grief and forging connections. With this exhibition, she celebrates visibility—the profound act of seeing and being seen—encouraging viewers to embrace their own stories, share their experiences, and connect with one another on a deeper level.
Overall, Sara Jean Odam's artistic journey is an exploration of performance, transformation, and human connection, reflected in her exuberant and thought-provoking paintings. Through her painted collaborations, she invites us to celebrate the power of vulnerability and empathy, inspiring us to find authenticity in our own lives and appreciate the transformative potential of art.