Jodee Sweet
B. 1998 Mequon, WI
Lives and works in Denver, CO
Jodee Sweet, who was born in a small Wisconsin town, has shown nationwide. They are a queer multimedia artist who creates thought-provoking works that explore emotional manifestations, depression, and societal stigmatization. Sweet’s work is deeply personal, drawing on their own experiences with mental health and the challenges of navigating a world that often feels hostile. Through their art, Jodee seeks to create a space for dialogue and understanding, challenging viewers to confront their own biases and assumptions.
Artist Statement
As an artist, I am drawn to exploring the complexities of human emotions and the ways in which they shape our experiences and interactions with the world around us. For many years, I struggled with feelings of shame and guilt surrounding my anger. I was subjected to thoughtless and harmful anger as a young child and internalized these emotions in a way that made me fear my own anger. But as I began to delve deeper into my own psyche, I realized that anger was not something to be feared or avoided, but rather a natural and necessary part of the human experience. Anger when manifested correctly is the groundwork for thoughtful change.
Through my art, I seek to challenge the societal stigma surrounding anger and encourage others to embrace their own emotions, no matter how uncomfortable or difficult they may be. My paintings and sculptures are often bold and confrontational, featuring vivid colors and striking imagery that demand attention and provoke a visceral response.
At the same time, however, my work is also deeply introspective and reflective. I believe that art has the power to facilitate healing and growth, and I strive to create pieces that encourage viewers to engage in meaningful self-reflection and contemplation.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create a space for open and honest dialogue about the complexities of human emotion. I believe that by embracing our own anger and learning to communicate it in healthy and productive ways, we can begin to break down the barriers that divide us and build a more compassionate and empathetic society.
CV
Education
2024- AFA Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, CO
Solo Exhibitions
2024- Simulacra, (Duo exhibition with Sisel Lan), Colorado Gallery of The Arts, Littleton, CO
2023- Towers and Molehills, Jenzten Gallery, Littleton, CO
Group Exhibitions
2024- Student Exhibition, Aspen Grove, Littleton, CO
2024- AFA Thesis Show, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Littleton, CO
2023- Processing Time, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Littleton, CO
2023- Shared Visions, Colorado Gallery of the Arts,, Littleton, CO
2023- Abstract Zone, Exhibit Zone (Online)
2023- Art Student and Alumni Invitational, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Littleton, CO
2022- Shared Visions, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Littleton, CO
2022- Self Taught Genius, The Contemporary at Northern Waters, Watersmeet, MI
2022- Superior En Plein Air Festival Exhibition, Superior Town Center, Superior, CO
2022- Rise Westword Gallery, Denver CO
2022- Invitational, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Littleton, CO
2022- Spring Break, Core New Art Space, Denver, CO
2022- Student Invitational, Colorado Gallery of the Arts, Littleton, CO
2021- Shared Visions, Colorado Gallery of The Arts Littleton, CO
2021- Superior En Plein Air Festival, Superior Town Center, Superior, CO
Publications
2023- “Shared Visions” celebrates tactile art in exhibit on display through Dec. 5 at Colorado Gallery of the Arts, written by Nina Joss, Littleton Independent
https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2023/11/19/shared-visions-exhibit-at-arapahoe-community-college/?fbclid=IwAR0ACrO7AoJ42-0totGzNPSVg9ejOtSnPYYPxWIIKtpfrOM7YiGKUqlNNK4_aem_ATSZ072KCzeopx_VKOe4XTc897VUbj4f9XF365obYuwUl46g5ezRo2Vrpt-BKyduBa8
2023- Art Student and Alumni Invitational, Review by Vanessa Kauffman Zimmerly, DARIA Magazine
https://www.dariamag.com/home/art-student-and-alumni-invitational
Public Collections
The Contemporary at Northern Waters, Watersmeet, MI