About Jillian
Jillian Agnus is a contemporary fine artist whose abstract expressionist works explore the profound connections between emotion, memory, and visual language. Born in Portland, Oregon, and now based in Brooklyn, New York, her artistic journey spans over two decades of dedicated exploration into the transformative power of color and texture.
After completing her MFA in Fine Arts from Yale School of Art in 2003, Jillian spent several formative years in Europe, where she was deeply influenced by the works of the Abstract Expressionist masters and the rich artistic traditions of France and Italy. This period of immersion in classical and contemporary art history profoundly shaped her understanding of painting as both a personal and universal language.
Her artistic philosophy centers on the belief that abstract art can capture the ineffable aspects of human experience—those moments of profound emotion, spiritual connection, and existential questioning that words cannot adequately express. Through her paintings, she seeks to create visual meditations that invite viewers into a dialogue with their own inner landscapes.
Jillian's work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States and internationally. Her paintings are held in private collections worldwide and have been acquired by several prominent museums and corporate collections. She continues to push the boundaries of abstract expression while maintaining a deep respect for the traditions that have shaped contemporary art.
When not in her studio, Jillian enjoys teaching workshops for emerging artists, writing about the creative process, and exploring the intersection of art and mindfulness through her practice. She believes that art has the power to heal, inspire, and connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Jillian Agnus
Brooklyn Studio, 2024
Artistic Process
My creative process is a journey of discovery, where each painting emerges through a dialogue between intention, intuition, and the inherent properties of the materials themselves.
Intuitive Beginning
Each painting begins with an emotional or sensory response—a moment of inspiration captured through initial color studies and gestural marks.
Layered Development
Through multiple layers of paint, texture, and mixed media, the work evolves organically, with each layer responding to and building upon the previous.
Material Dialogue
I work primarily with oils and mixed media, allowing the materials themselves to guide the conversation between intention and spontaneity.
Contemplative Resolution
The final stages involve careful consideration of balance, harmony, and emotional resonance, ensuring each piece achieves its intended impact.
Full Artist Statement
"My work explores the delicate balance between chaos and harmony, seeking to capture the ephemeral moments where emotion transforms into visual language. Through abstract expressionism, I investigate the profound connections between color, texture, and human experience. Each painting begins as an intuitive response to the world around me—the way light filters through morning fog, the rhythm of urban life, or the quiet contemplation found in solitude."
"I work primarily with oils and mixed media, allowing the materials themselves to guide the conversation between intention and spontaneity. My artistic journey is one of continuous discovery, where each canvas becomes a meditation on the complexity of contemporary existence and our eternal search for meaning and beauty. Through abstraction, I aim to create works that transcend the literal and speak directly to the soul, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey of discovery and reflection."
Exhibition History
A chronological overview of solo exhibitions, group shows, and art fair presentations spanning over a decade of artistic practice.
Convergence: New Works
Metropolitan Gallery
A comprehensive showcase of recent paintings exploring themes of connection and transformation.
Contemporary Voices
Whitespace Gallery
Featuring emerging and established contemporary artists pushing boundaries of abstract expression.
Emotional Landscapes
Blue Mountain Gallery
An exploration of inner emotional terrain through color and texture.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Booth A12
Presenting a curated selection of works at one of the world's premier art fairs.
Resonance
Gallery 42
A meditation on sound, rhythm, and visual harmony in abstract form.
Emerging Abstractions
Contemporary Art Museum
Group exhibition featuring contemporary abstract artists from across the United States.
Pandemic Reflections
Virtual Gallery Collective
Digital exhibition exploring artistic responses to global isolation and connection.
Inner Dialogues
Riverside Gallery
A return to her hometown with works exploring personal growth and artistic evolution.
Color and Consciousness
Modern Art Space
Collaborative exhibition examining the psychological impact of color in contemporary art.
Transcendence
Brooklyn Art Center
First major solo exhibition in New York, featuring large-scale abstract works.
Awards & Recognition
Excellence in Contemporary Art Award
National Arts Foundation
Recognizing outstanding contribution to contemporary abstract expressionism.
Artist Residency Grant
Brooklyn Arts Council
Six-month residency supporting the development of new large-scale works.
Emerging Artist Fellowship
New York State Council on the Arts
Fellowship supporting artistic development and community engagement.
Best in Show
Contemporary Art Fair Chicago
Recognition for exceptional artistic achievement in abstract painting.
Press Coverage
The Evolution of Abstract Expression in Contemporary Art
Art in America
Rising Stars: Artists to Watch
Artforum
Color as Language: Jillian Agnus's Emotional Landscapes
Brooklyn Rail
Studio Visit: Inside the Creative Process
Art News
Abstract Expressionism in the Digital Age
Modern Painters
Media Inquiries
For press inquiries, high-resolution images, or interview requests, please contact:
Press Contact: press@jillianagnus.com
Studio Gallery
Step inside my Brooklyn studio, where natural light, organized chaos, and creative energy converge to bring abstract visions to life. This space is both sanctuary and laboratory for artistic exploration.
Main Studio Space
The heart of creative work, featuring large canvases and natural light from north-facing windows.
Work in Progress
Multiple paintings in various stages of development, showing the layered creative process.
Material Station
Organized workspace with oils, brushes, and mixed media materials ready for creative exploration.
Contemplation Corner
A quiet space for reflection and viewing completed works before they leave the studio.
Natural Light
The studio's north-facing windows provide consistent, natural light essential for color work.
Creative Process
Capturing the dynamic energy of creation, with paint-covered surfaces and artistic tools.
Studio Visits
Private studio visits are available by appointment for collectors, curators, and fellow artists. Experience the creative environment where these works come to life and engage in meaningful dialogue about the artistic process.