IF I WERE A QUEEN # VIII Print

In her artworks Abby Jo (b. 1984) aims to explore notions of eccentricity and extravagance blended with naïve playfulness. Her works fuse features of baroque excessiveness, apparent precision and almost obsessive attention to detail that show her predilection for patterns and decorative ornaments. ​ Important factor in Abby Jo’s artistic practice is the influence stemming from elements of popular culture and folklore. Her fascination with camp aesthetics is apparent in the stylistic representation of her works: bright rich colours, excessive use of relief paint and ‘cartoonesque’ painting technique. Extravagance and exaggeration are prevalent elements in the modern world of extremes and maximalism, and Abby Jo uses these qualities to explore the pleasure of seeing the brightness of beauty and decoration, and ultimately to show that life is a game. ​ Abby Jo was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, however she relocated to the Netherlands in early teen years and considers Holland her home. Abby Jo’s passion for creating developed in her early childhood, when she was deeply influenced by the cultural heritage of St-Petersburg and Russian literature. Abby Jo has also lived in London for several years, with the focus of studying art history and developing her artistic skills. Abby Jo now lives in Amsterdam and is developing her creative practice further.