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 centered on preserving her mother's memory and legacy, the collection has undergone a remarkable evolution. Inspired by an unforgettable experience during an artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux in France, where she stumbled upon 1950s French fashion ephemera in the countryside, Jeannine's artistic vision underwent a transformation. She found herself profoundly moved by the timeless elegance and spirit of the women depicted in those vintage magazines, recognizing echoes of her mother and countless other women who have touched her life.
From this revelation, "Joie de Vivre" blossomed into a celebration of the universal beauty and vitality inherent in all women. It is a heartfelt 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, weaving together threads of nostalgia, admiration, and empowerment to create 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.