Woman 58: AI Lee Bontecou
Jacob Hicks
Jacob Hicks is a Brooklyn-based oil painter and educator whose work intricately weaves cultural and personal histories into richly symbolic compositions. His ongoing series, "100 Women," initiated in 2016, serves as a form of resistance against misogyny and racism, portraying female icons through a blend of historical and contemporary lenses. Hicks draws inspiration from Primitive Flemish, Italian Renaissance, Spanish Baroque, and English painters, recontextualizing these styles to celebrate cultural pluralism and empowerment. His paintings often feature elaborate patterns inspired by natural elements such as amphibians, cephalopods, and tropical botany, creating a utopian vision within each piece. Beyond his studio practice, Hicks is an active educator, teaching at institutions including the Queens Museum. His work has been exhibited internationally, reflecting his commitment to exploring themes of beauty, archetype, and mythology.
