Jacke Penny - CHEFS
Jack Penny showcases his latest body of work, CHEFS, at Château La Coste. Celebrated for his dynamic and vividly animated genre paintings, Penny captivates audiences with expressive figures and compelling narratives, immersing them in a world that exposes the absurdity and resilience of human existence.
Following his debut U.S. exhibition in New York, CHEFS explores themes of power, identity, and survival through the lens of one of the most recognizable uniforms - the chef’s attire. Crisp white coats and towering hats transform individuals into symbols of authority, stripping away personal identity and replacing it with the role of creator and commander. In Penny’s world, the chef reigns supreme, orchestrating a controlled culinary experience in stark contrast to the untamed forces of nature.
Set against dramatic landscapes, Penny’s chefs navigate a world teeming with tension. Snarling wolves prowl Alpine backdrops, evoking themes of hardship and survival, while the refined world of haute cuisine stands as a testament to humanity’s conquest over raw nature. This interplay between chaos and control is heightened by Penny’s expressive, fast-paced painting style, which embraces spontaneity and imperfection. Humor plays a crucial role, turning the rigid structures of fine dining into a stage for satire and ambiguity.
Penny has long been fascinated by uniforms - symbols that both empower and depersonalize. Uniforms impose order, absolve personal accountability, and reduce individuals to a single function. The chef’s uniform, in particular, serves as a visual anchor in CHEFS, transforming the subject into an accessible, recognizable character. Through this device, Penny invites viewers to see beyond the surface, to interpret, identify, and engage with the figures in their own way.
Beyond its playful critique of restaurant culture, CHEFS is also an homage to the relentless dedication behind each plated dish. Penny draws striking parallels between chefs and artists - both driven by obsession, perfectionism, and the pursuit of an ephemeral emotional response. The unseen labor, the long hours, the pressure to innovate all mirror the creative process of an artist.
Much like the chefs he portrays, Penny embraces instinct and immediacy in his work. His raw, unpolished approach mirrors the fast pace of modern life, painting straight from the tube without revision. Through CHEFS, he challenges our perceptions of human behavior, our relationship with the natural world, and the deeper consequences of what we choose to consume.
CHEFS
Du 1er au 31 mars 2025
Galerie Bastide
