Public Space One

"Awkward Portal" is this year's theme for Public Space One's annual fundraising auction. Local artists donate artworks in order to support this wonderful art gallery in the heart of Iowa City. All of the works featured on The Daily Palette (plus many more!) are available for bidding, until 7:45 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2016, when the auction closes. Be sure to visit Public Space One or, if you can't get there in person, visit their website and place your bids online!

Public Space One Awkward Portal Auction

JACKSON ALLEN
Texas Tea, Acrylic on wood, 18" x 12", 2016

Jackson Allen was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. At about one year old, he lived in married student housing while his father attended Purdue. After he graduated, they moved to southern Indiana and then to eastern Iowa. Jackson attended schools in Grandview, Wilton, and Muscatine, an experience he explains left him feeling "lost," and that ultimately turned him into "the quiet kid, always listening." The silver lining, though, was that he had the pleasure of meeting many people. After working in various factories, Jackson earned his B.F.A. in Sculpture in 2012 from the University of Iowa, a life-changing experience that he says shifted his art from cartoons into theory.

In his own words

This is about we. There is very little "me" in my artwork. My thoughts and influences guide my hand. It's about community; standing up for the rights of people regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or whatever titles divide us as a group. It's about how easy it is to lose empathy when we don't speak face-to-face. It's about finding that which brings us together even though we aren't looking into each others' eyes. Simply put, it's about peace, love, and respect.

Jackson Allen Art Facebook Page