Page 144 - International Iconic July 2024

LAUREN CE
JENKELL

orn in 1965, in Bourges, France, Laurence Jenkell, popularly determination through her art. The process allowed the artist to
known as JENK, is a renowned contemporary French express her inner struggles, feelings, and emotions with a sweet
Bartist. During the 1990s, she began experimenting with touch. These sculptures when viewed from a close distance
techniques including charcoal, watercolour, oil, acrylic and activate the senses of sight, taste, and smell which makes the
ceramics and wished to further fuel her passion for creativity. viewing experience intriguing and engaging; creating a world of
She then dove into other techniques that were created by its own and making space for curiosity.
using materials such as aluminium, copper, and plexiglass. Jenkell Famous series by the artist include the DNA series,
mastered the plexiglass medium, which led to her creating her symbolising the molecule of immortality; the Shiny Polished
own signature ‘wrapping’. In this technique, she twists the foil of Aluminium Wrapping series, where the artist explores the twisting
the material that forms the look of a wrapping candy sculpture, gesture and expresses her perspective on today’s society; the
also for which she is globally renowned. These works are executed BuildArt series inspired by the dramatic world of architecture; the
in varied sizes and she has included mediums such as bronze, Robot series where Jenkell explores and contemplates the role of
marble, polyester, and many others. humanity in the evolution of the world and new technologies.

“My inspiration began with an introspective look

at my childhood passion for candies.”

The candy wrapper became a source of inspiration for Her works are part of various public and private collections all
the artist very early on in her life. As a child, Jenkell was naturally over the globe. The artist has showcased her works in numerous
drawn towards drawing and painting. Her influences include solo and group exhibitions at venues such as the Grand Palais in
various modern and contemporary artists such as Picasso, Louise Paris, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Louvre Abu
Bourgeois, and Camille Claudel although art as a career happened Dhabi. Jenkell also holds ‘Bonbon’ workshops to create wrapping
to her a little later. Like most kids, she had a deep love for sweets candy sculptures utilising plexiglass and paint, and shares her
and had once turned a bright melted plastic into a candy wrapper. process of creation with enthusiasts and learners of all ages at her
As time passed by, as the artist began exploring, the same memory own studio in Monaco.
came back and drove her to the idea of creating candy sculpture. The artist continues to push boundaries and inspire the
This sweet childhood memory turned into an inspiration for her art. future generations of artists worldwide. The wrapping technique
The sugary melted candies of her kitchen provided her an became her signature style and symbol of her art and what started
escape from daily life and helped build her own identity; paving as a journey of exploration brought the artist closer towards her
the path for true creative liberation with courage, patience and truth. She continues to work and live in Vallauris, France.