Jordan Casteel, Medinilla, Wanda and Annelise (2019). Oil on canvas. 243.84 x 198.12 cm. Courtesy Casey Kaplan.
Jordan Casteel. Courtesy Vogue. Photo: Tyler Mitchell.
Painter Jordan Casteel has been awarded the highly coveted MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’.
Awarded annually by the Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation, the grant recognises the far-reaching influence of its 25 recipients, of which Casteel is the youngest.
Painting intimate portraits of friends, family, or strangers in her Harlem community, Casteel has been heralded for her vibrant and honest evocations of underrepresented subjects.
Since receiving her MFA from Yale School of Art in 2014, Casteel’s paintings have graced the walls of art institutions worldwide, including a 2020 solo show at the New Museum, New York. Last year, the artist was also commissioned to paint a portrait of designer and activist Aurora James for Vogue’s September issue.
On receiving the prize, Casteel took to Instagram to voice her reaction to the news, expressing, ‘It genuinely stopped me in my tracks—laid me flat—had me confused—and brought me to tears’.
Main image: Jordan Casteel, Medinilla, Wanda and Annelise (2019). Oil on canvas. 243.84 x 198.12 cm. Courtesy Casey Kaplan.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services