Jared Hendler
Los Angeles, Ca
Social Media Archive. Portraiture celebrating those influencing society through online culture.
Message
Born in South Africa. Son of Bonnie Serjeant, a painter still working in Cape Town.
Drawing & painting throughout childhood, Jared emigrated to the United States receiving his BFA from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.
Following his education, Jared moved to New York and worked within the advertising industry on digital and social media engagement campaigns for large, multi-national brands. While working with online influencers, Jared witnessed the seismic effects of technology and the unprecedented power and opportunity it gave individuals to reach large audiences directly. Many who were previously unrecognized or underserved now had a voice.
Moving back to Los Angeles has enabled Jared to focus on his portraiture that documents the personalities that are shaping our culture.
Statement
Portraiture celebrating those influencing society through online culture.
My work documents the effects technology and social media culture have on society. Our obsession with creating our own identities. From individuals seeking connection to others who make a living by growing audiences that eclipse traditional celebrity.
Amidst our obsession of sharing, easy access to technology has given individuals unprecedented opportunity to reach large audiences directly. Many who were previously unrecognized or misrepresented now have a voice.
While some are driven by pure narcissism, the underlying human need to connect with others on some intimate level is the most interesting as it requires us to publicly expose a part of ourselves not often seen. The public creation of personal identity, combined with the emergence of a ‘new’ celebrity for a new era is what I bring to life in my work.
The portraits are made directly from the feeds of those who impact our society and influence our culture. A static, archeological, analog recording of the digital stream before it disappears. In homage of traditional portraiture as a representation of our times, my work is a reflection of who we are now.