ECHO
“Reworking familiar imagery is just my way of giving history a second look.” – Jesse Mockrin
Based in Philadelphia, this artist examines Renaissance and Baroque artists’ art, with an eye on the survival of traditional narratives and beliefs in contemporary society. She then intervenes with her own modern canon.
Jesse Mockrin’s paintings “respond to histories of sexual violence and cruel treatment of women over millennia of myth and story, offering interventions and moments of resistance.”
Collectively, the paintings in ECHO highlight “an ongoing battle for bodily autonomy”.
The above painting is based on the Greek and Roman myth of Echo and Hera.
The biblical widow and heroine, Judith, beheads Assyrian General Holofernes and saves her people. This was a popular subject for artists in the 15 & 1600’s due to the “stark contrast between Judith’s femininity and the aggression of her violence.”
Mockrin builds up thin glazes of oil paint, a European Renaissance developed technique. “she crops her composition sharply, hiding critical elements of a story and leaving conflict unresolved.”
Unvarnished, her paintings have an eerie flatness.
“Grasping, pulling, lifting …. I am drawn to the ways that Baroque painters build drama and tension into their compositions.” Jesse Mockrin
Based on Ruben’s The Massacre of the Innocents, the woman in the right panel is based on one of the mothers protecting her children.
Painted circa 1610, The Massacre of the Innocents resides in the AGO’s collection. The photo on the left is an allowable share from the AGO. Click on the image to visit the page, and a larger version of the masterpiece..
In the Book of Genesis – Rachel and Leah were both married to Jacob.
Leah had many children. After many years of yearning to be a mother, Rachel had 2 sons. She died giving birth to the second child.
“It’s very emotional and very real, her longing for a child and then her tragic death as a result of it.”
“We think we’re not that similar to these characters, but they were just people, same as us.” – Jesse Mockrin
Pics taken by Resa – December 9, 2025
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
“Quotes in bold are by Jesse Mockrin”
“Quotes in italics are from the AGO”
All source is from the AGO
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
Fascinating! I love how she has reinterpreted the “Old Masters” and these women’s stories. I will have to go back and peruse the paintings more carefully.
(Her Website does not mention Philadelphia at all. It says she works and lives in LA, and there are no listed shows in Philadelphia either.)
Thanks Merril!
I like all that too, and her style is quite inviting.
Huh? That’s interesting about her living in LA? The AGO literature says she’s “Philadelphia-based”. (I thought of you immediately)
There are pics of her at the AGO with the collection, and it states that she helped prepare the selection for the show by studying the gallery’s collection of European art.
So, there is an in life connection and communication with the curators at the AGO. Therefore I would conclude the info to be accurate.
I can think of various reasons the information does not connect, but I can’t answer in all honesty.
OMG – She IS an ECHO!
This exhibition at the AGO is her first “solo” show, ever, anywhere.
Her talent is massive, and it wouldn’t surprise me if she has shows in the USA soon.
Although her pro-woman voice is so strong that there may be places her visions are not welcome.
Honestly, I can hardly wait to share more of the show. There’s a pentaptych titled “The Rape of the Sabine Women”. It’s mind blowing. I thought it was sculptures at fist.
She was inspired to do this piece by a tankard sculpted by Ignaz Elhafen, in the AGO’s collection.
It is fascinating work.
Weird about the info: https://jessemockrin.com/Info
Unless she moved to Philadelphia and hasn’t updated her site. I didn’t see anything about Philadelphia in the press release for the show–also on her Website.
True beauty is that to the females. Wonderful is belongs to them. All the best, TOF
TOF!
You are right, and this artist captures that beauty!
I wanted to live in the collection. Then again, I always say that when I see art that moves me.
Cheers!
her reinterpretation and reimagining of them is powerful
I agree Beth!
Being in the exhibition rooms with her paintings was a visceral experience, that became intellectual when I finally calmed down.
liking the dramatic lighting of the candle-lit face in particular 🕯️
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These are magnificent paintings. I love the clarity and depth of color and the symbolism in her work. Classic and beautiful tribute to womankind.
Echo (echo)🔊… She’s quite good with the fabrics. The shading👗👌
Hope you are staying warm. The days are getting longer🙂
Wonderful post Resa. I love the reinterpretation xxxxx
Very evocative paintings and backstory.
Well done, Resa. 😊X
Oh, yes, I do like these paintings! They really are very fine art.
Have a fine weekend, dear Resa!