Macaulay + Co. Fine Art |

Chartrand’s practice is characterized by a keen interest in social circuits of value, in both art and consumer society. Using the humour of appropriation with a cutting cynicism, Chartrand’s work exposes urgent issues around racism, ignorance and privilege. The topics are hard hitting, but they are often approached with irony and humour. Often dealing with pre-existing formulas in the way of found-objects and art historical references, Chartrand complicates the reading of these materials by adding her own layers. At first glance, Chartrand’s lustrous ceramics are extremely pleasing to the eye. However on closer examination, the beauty is often contrasted with references to urban blight – cockroaches, addiction, poverty, abuse, stereotypes and racism – inspiring both attraction and repulsion. Every piece has a story and is meant to inspire dialogue.

Judy Chartrand

Judy Chartrand is a contemporary artist of Manitoba Cree heritage based in Vancouver. Chartrand grew up in the notoriously disadvantaged urban corridor of Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. From a young age, Chartrand held an interest in ceramics and painting. Her work contains rich elements of ready-made appropriations and repurposed materials.

Chartrand’s practice is characterized by a keen interest in social circuits of value, in both art and consumer society. Using the humour of appropriation with a cutting cynicism, Chartrand’s work exposes urgent issues around racism, ignorance and privilege. The topics are hard hitting, but they are often approached with irony and humour. Often dealing with pre-existing formulas in the way of found-objects and art historical references, Chartrand complicates the reading of these materials by adding her own layers. At first glance, Chartrand’s lustrous ceramics are extremely pleasing to the eye. However on closer examination, the beauty is often contrasted with references to urban blight - cockroaches, addiction, poverty, abuse, stereotypes and racism - inspiring both attraction and repulsion. Every piece has a story and is meant to inspire dialogue.

White Fantasies, 2017, Low fire clay, underglaze, glaze, assorted printed photo paper and wooden nickel, wood box with led light, transformer and dimmer, 10.25 x 12.5 x 6"

DTES Influencer Selfie, 2023, Low fire clay, underglaze, glaze, cloth banner, printed photo, metal rod, epoxy putty, plywood box, plexiglass, acrylic paint, led light, transformer, dimmer, mini sound recorder, 12.5 x 10.5 x 6.25"

Redbone Burt, 2023, Low fire clay, underglaze, glaze, vintage mink fur scrap, mini braid sweet grass, plywood box, acrylic paint, plexiglass metal rod and epoxy putty. Led light, transformer, dimmer and mini sound recorder, 10.5 x 12.5 x 6.25″

XIV Passerines,

2024,

26 x 19" ,

Low fire paper clay, underglaze and Museum quality crystalline paste finish

Graceful Blooms Mimbres Vase , 2025, Low fire paper clay, underglaze and Museum quality crystalline paste finish, 28 x 13", Install view of Judy Chartrand: Graceful Blooms at Macaulay + Co. 2025