Chances are you already like Jessica Gorlicky.
Or, at the very least, you’ve “liked” her art in your friends’ Instagram feeds when they catch her in action at some of Toronto’s most notable events.
Her urban, colourful, pop art (ish) work has been commissioned by the likes of Google, the Olympics, Holt Renfrew, Cirque du Soleil, and TOMS, among others.
And now, the young Toronto artist – JessGo as she’s better known – is revealing a new collection in a one-day sensory exhibit called The Sound of Art this Sunday. If you live in Toronto, you’re invited to celebrate over cocktails and under a disco ball.
The latest collection features 25 major works that celebrate rock legends of the 60s and 70s and come to life through paint, light, and sound (as in speakers and LED lights).
We caught up with JessGo to hear a little more about it…
How long have you been working on this collection and what was the inspiration behind it?
Approximately 1.5 years ago, prior to me and my husband building our new home, he had requested that I make him a Beatles series of paintings for our eclectic pad. With this idea, the theme of the pieces curated an incredible collection.
With the “sound of art” concept, you could have gone with many genres, why 60s/70s rock?
Growing up with my father, Morty Gorlicky, his fringe leather jackets, classic “A-tracks,” and him being a member of a biker gang, this music was a huge part of my loving upbringing.
What do you love about this genre of music and who is your favourite artist in the collection?
I love the originality, the soul, and each musical instrument working in conjunction with the other. The unique melodies that were created never cease to blow my mind! I’m a HUGE Beatles fan, so my Beatles Series of paintings is my favourite.
Did you listen to 60s and 70s music while painting?
Totally! I rocked out and air-guitared my way through these paintings, which isn’t completely strange or largely different from my other collections…I consistently listen to classic rock as I paint. I get lost in it. Time doesn’t exist. Of course, I throw in the modern Jack White here and there, and I am a devout lover of indie rock.
How do you get into the zone?
I pick up the brush and fall down the rabbit hole. Who knows where I will end up? It’s my escape and my journey through experimental creativity where music is my drug of choice. Beyond the tools in my studio that I use to create, it is a key element. Walk into my studio at any time and there’s always a speaker blasting. Sorry, neighbours!
How is this different than your previous work?
I am excited to introduce a new musical element to my art whereby I feature a speaker and LED light bulbs built inside the artwork. I know it sounds crazy, because it is! But it’s amazing. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in an art piece. Thanks to the help of my creative director Jeffrey Kahane, we’ve named them “artio” boxes. Essentially, artios are wooden panels coupled with acrylic paint and Bluetooth compatible LED speakers.
So, each piece has a Bluetooth speaker incorporated into it? What can we expect to hear from the Jimi Hendrix “Voodoo Child” piece?
Exactly: on display there will be 12 artio boxes where you can read a small description and quote from the artist as well as put on a pair of head phones and listen to one of the artist’s top hits!
Why do you think your art resonates with young professionals?
It’s alive. It is fun, iconic, relatable, and takes out the mundane and the stressful.
What’s been a career highlight for you so far?
Being able to travel across North America with my work and my passion. And of course NOTABLE.CA <3 thank you!
Who inspires you as an artist?
Real people doing real things.
If you live in Toronto, you can check out the collection for yourself this Sunday, November 16 from 1:00pm-11:00pm at Jess’s private studio: 945 Wilson Ave, Studio 1.
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