The Transformation of Personal Legacy: Joie de Vivre
The roots of Joie de Vivre trace back to a poignant tribute to artist Jeannine Chanin Penn's mother, who passed away in 1989. Initially focused on preserving her mother's memory and legacy, the collection has evolved into something deeper.
During an artist residency at Château Orquevaux in France, Jeannine stumbled upon 1950s French fashion ephemera in the countryside, sparking a profound shift in her artistic vision. She found herself captivated by the timeless elegance and spirit of the women in those vintage magazines, recognizing echoes of her mother, as well as the countless women who have influenced her life.
From this revelation, Joie de Vivre blossomed into a celebration of the universal beauty, vitality, and strength of all women. It serves as a tribute to their inner and outer radiance, their zest for life, and their unyielding determination to embrace every moment with passion and grace. Through her art, Jeannine honors the essence of womanhood, blending nostalgia, admiration, and empowerment to weave a vibrant tapestry of feminine strength and resilience.
“If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.”
~Émile Zola”
“Last Dance” … a tribute to Jeannine’s mother created from a 78 record from her mom’s collection and ephemera from her mother’s scrapbooks. Her mother spent years before she was married working in the music industry in NYC. Similar to the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi, which embraces the beauty of imperfection, Jeannine often finds a way to preserve legacy and beauty from treasured pieces.
“From Absence Comes Flowers” … a tribute to Jeannine’s mother and grandmother created from broken plates that were passed down to her. Another example of creating something beautiful and memorable from something broken and treasured which also invites conversation and story about her own legacy.