Sarah Jacobs

Sarah Jacobs explores notions of globalisation and hybrid national identities in her suspended canvases that hang like traditional tapestries or flags from dowel rods. Although born and based in the US, Jacobs has travelled extensively, seeking inspiration from the diverse communities and countries she has visited.

Sarah Jacobs's paintings become dynamic swirls of patterns that she states, “glorify their noise, complexity and entanglements”. In her ‘Ethosphere’ series these patterns and symbols are abstracted to create a rich and colourful tapestry that seem to lift emblems and motifs from national flags.

The juxtaposition of colours and form appear harmonious but on closer inspection the elements are fractal and transitory, where the viewer’s gaze is distracted and is propelled around the canvas. The dichotomy of order and chaos is skilfully represented by the artist’s hand, raising questions of the success and legacy of globalisation and its impact on international communities.