As spring finally arrives in St. Louis, a new series of 25 botanical sketches from the mind of Jess T. Dugan, to be displayed at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, will remind us of the growth and rebirth to come in the new season.
Based in St. Louis, Dugan is an internationally recognized artist whose work is in the permanent collections of more than 60 museums. Their subject matter is informed and led by their unique life experiences and deep-rooted belief in the power of storytelling.
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Traditionally a photographer, Dugan says this series is true to the subject matter they love, including flowers and plants, with interwoven themes of presence, time, and immortality.
I’m right here with you began as a relaxing practice for Dugan, done early in the morning before their daughter wakes up for the day.
“I began making these drawings as a meditative exercise, an attempt to begin my day with focus and presence rather than e-mails and social media,” Dugan says. “Within a few weeks of drawing, I realized I was making a serious body of work … Some of the drawings are of bouquets of flowers I bought at the store, like tulips or lilies, while others are plants I clipped from my backyard, like sweetgum balls and wild grasses.”
Dugan often follows the same plant throughout its lifetime, drawing it many times as it grows, blooms, and eventually dies. The collection may exhibit many sketches of the same plant, from the early days when Dugan first decided on the subject—a healthy and lively image—to its shriveled and decayed form.
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“I’m right here with you” is something Dugan often says to their daughter at bedtime. The seemingly simple affirmation is an acknowledgment that sometimes the best we can offer one another is being present.
“Becoming a parent has been one of the most transformative experiences of my
life and has motivated me to continually try to be the best version of myself I can be,
which requires daily introspection,” Dugan says.
Dugan says they are excited for people to interact with their drawings in a quiet and contemplative space, not unlike the one they created through the meditative morning practice. Alongside the drawings will be a seating area, where visitors are encouraged to spend time with the artwork or reflect on their own lives.
“Spaces for reflection are especially important right now, as the world around us is difficult and uncertain,” Dugan says. “I want viewers to feel connected to something larger than themselves—to other people, to nature, and to the beautiful, complicated experience of
being alive.”
The Pulitzer will act as a powerful venue to debut this new venture for Dugan, who says it was a dream to release their work in the space.
“The space is beautiful, the curators are brilliant, and the museum consistently does meaningful and powerful work,” Dugan says. “I’m right here with you is an invitation to slow down
and reflect—I can’t think of a more perfect museum to facilitate that experience.”
I’m right here with you opens at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington, on March 7. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays.
