Jessica Mia Vito
Adjunct Faculty
MFA, Southern Illinois University Carbondale​BFA , Bowling Green State University
Tangible feminine sensuality exists within the iconography of Jessica Mia Vito’s work. The mark-making quality of the brushstrokes have curvaceous woman-like characteristics. The experience of being a woman is very influential to her work. The colors represented within the paintings include sheer and opaque pinks, blacks, reds, blues, among others. The physical drapery materials that she carefully chooses to depict are loaded with historical meaning. The sensuous nature of fabric paired with rhythm throughout the composition, allows for the abstract concept of emotion to be realized representationally. Her paintings utilize the flowing movement of drapery as a conduit for human emotion. The large paintings allow for the viewer to be enveloped by color and graceful fabric that is the embodiment for emotion. Vito’s work is meant to stimulate interaction and contemplation; similar to the large color-field paintings by Mark Rothko. She is passionate about bringing people together through shared human commonalities, encouraging humility and honesty, and a spiritual experience; like walking into a place of worship. Vito’s paintings create an engulfing, inviting environment with each piece representing a different emotional experience.
Professional Experience
Jessica Mia Vito is an emerging artist from Cleveland, Ohio specializing in both traditional and contemporary approaches to oil painting and drawing. She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she received a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. She completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Bowling Green State University with a major in 2D Painting and Drawing and a minor in Fine Arts Instruction. At BGSU, Vito studied under Dennis Wojtkiewicz and later became his studio assistant. Vito studied at the New York Academy of Art in New York, NY with Alyssa Monks and at the Atelier Neo-Medici in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France with Gregory Pelizarri.
Significant Publications, Presentations and Exhibitions
Exhibitions
2020 MASTERPIECES, Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, OH.
2020 Sanctuary, MFA Thesis, Surplus Gallery, Carbondale, IL.
2019 On Being, Robert Kidd Gallery, Birmingham, MI., Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN., ArtSpace Lima, Lima, OH.
2019 Figurative Works II, Foundry Art Center, St. Charles, MO.
2018 National Wet Paint Biennial, Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, IL.
Awards
2019 ​Art History Award for travel to New York City, SIUC
2018 ​Windgate Charitable Foundation Graduate Research Award ($550), SIUC
2015 ​Stuart R. Givens Memorial Fellowship Grant ($6,000), BGSU
2014 ​Toledo Federation of Art Societies Award, NOWOH 7: The 7th Annual Northwest Ohio Community Art Exhibition, BGSU