JEAN ALEXANDER FRATER

Jean Alexander Frater is a Chicago-based artist recognized for her innovative approach to painting, where she treats the canvas as a physical object rather than just a surface for images. She begins by painting on the canvas, then manipulates it like fabric—folding, layering, and weaving it to create textures and gestures that reimagine abstract elements such as grids, stripes, and gradients. This process both conceals and reveals different aspects of the painting, adding depth and complexity. By integrating techniques from fiber arts, ceramics, and sculpture, Frater pushes the boundaries of traditional painting. Her large woven pieces are intensely physical, while her smaller works explore experimental forms and color.

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