Jean Lowe

Jean Lowe (born 1961) is an American contemporary artist known for her humorous and meticulously crafted papier-mâché sculptures and installations. Her work often satirizes consumer culture, art world pretension, and social issues, using vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and pointed text.

Lowe's signature style involves creating realistic, life-sized environments filled with meticulously rendered objects, all constructed from papier-mâché and painted with trompe-l'oeil effects. These installations often mimic familiar spaces like libraries, museum gift shops, or living rooms, but upon closer inspection, the surfaces are covered with sardonic commentary and exaggerated details.

Her pieces typically explore themes of social class, materialism, and the role of art in society. By using a traditionally low-brow craft material like papier-mâché to recreate high-end environments, Lowe challenges perceptions of value and authenticity.

Lowe has exhibited her work extensively in the United States and internationally. She received her BFA from the University of California, Berkeley, and her MFA from the University of California, San Diego. She lives and works in San Diego, California.