Jane Dickson

Jane Dickson is an American painter who often uses unconventional surfaces like Astroturf, sandpaper, vinyl, and carpet to explore the inherent references and textural possibilities these materials provide.

Biography of Jane Dickson

Jane Dickson was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1952. In 1970, after a year at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, she spent two years studying social anthropology.

In 1976, she received a Studio Diploma from the School of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and a B.A. Magna cum Laude in Visual Studies from Harvard University.

Dickson's early interest in human behavior is fitting for an artist dedicated to the detailed observation of urban life. Upon relocating to New York in 1978, she joined the artist collective Colab, which included figures like James Nares, Kiki Smith, Walter Robinson, and her future husband, Charlie Ahearn. Colab's innovative approach involved bringing their collaborative and multidisciplinary work to a broader audience through unconventional methods, such as pop-up exhibitions and cable TV shows, rather than traditional venues.

In 1980, the artist relocated to Times Square, where she took on the role of designer and animator for the 800-square-foot Spectacolor sign, the first billboard of its kind in the square. In 1982, she obtained funding from the Public Art Fund to launch "Messages to the Public," an ambitious project featuring artist commissions from Alfredo Jaar, Jenny Holzer, Keith Haring, and others, specifically designed for and animated on the board.

Dickson's work has been showcased in 40 solo exhibitions and nearly 200 group exhibitions across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Solo shows include "Promised Land" at Karma in New York (2023), "Fist of Fury" at Alison Jacques in London (2023), "Jane Dickson: 99 ¢ Dreams" at James Fuentes in New York (2022), and many more. 

Currenlty, the artist lives and works in New York, USA.

Jane Dickson's Famous Paintings

Jane Dickson is known for her paintings and drawings. Notable pieces include "Out of Here" (1992/2013), "Temporary Tattoos" (2005), "Dreamland 16" (2012), "Rock and Roll Girls 2" (2013), "Terminal Bar 2" (2017), "Terror Destroyer" (2020), "233" (2020), "Play Slots Eat Free" (2021), "Topless Disco" (2021), and many more.

Jane Dickson's Art Style

The artist is recognized for her striking, dark imagery that explores the constructed world and its psychological implications, the social structuring of desire, and its disruption by the uncanny.

Using unconventional materials like AstroTurf, vinyl, sandpaper, felt, and carpet—each resonating with their specific subject—Dickson's paintings convey her fascination with the power of artificial light, as well as surreal and sexually transgressive environments.