Keezus is an exhibition of recent works from 23rd Key (Jessica Kease) using the intricate artform of stencil painting to engage and challenge viewers.

Exploring the human condition, a number of the works are inspired by the artist’s ego and experiences. These works concentrate on the inner battle we have with who we are, who we are perceived to be and how the two differ.

23rd Key’s current body of work looks at housing and how housing relates to a broader context of identity. Rather than a view of different still lifes and other forms of detritus, these works look at housing through a heritage and building perspective.  

Kease began her foray into stencil art in 2005, first exhibiting her work in 2008, and has spent most of her time toiling over a table ever since. Under the pseudonym 23rd Key, Kease creates photo-realistic stencils, taking no short cuts and cutting everything by hand. With a background in printmaking, graphic design, audio engineering and currently studying Architecture, Kease brings the knowledge from each of these into her already photo-realistic style.

Kease recently designed the Wall of Music mural which was commissioned by the City of Yarra in 2018 in conjunction with an upgrade of Wangaratta Park, to enhance the area as a significant musical and entertainment precinct and to compliment other public artworks in the park. The launch of the mural coincided with the commission of a sculpture of Melbourne’s much-loved music legend Molly Meldrum by artist Louis Laumen.

23key.com


2018 City of Yarra Exhibition Program supported by Yarra City Arts