The Thousands

Jess Lucas admits she is a painter “addicted to Self-Help”, and it’s evident that her depictions of those who have aided her in ‘being the dream she wants to be’ are not entirely tongue-in-cheek. But in her new exhibition Guru the portraits of motivational authors and chat-show hosts do question what’s happened to our concept of the spiritual leader and life-lesson master. A guru, after all, used to be someone who could impart their understanding of transcendental existence, instruct you through ceremonial ritual and guide you in becoming closer to a higher being. Now it mostly means someone who’ll suggest you put a pickle in your Bloody Mary and, while you’re at it, why not buy these multi-vits my company has shares in?

Guru feels like a show communicating both horror and secret delight at this outcome. Lucas’s expressive painterly style, awash with colour and similar to contemporary reverential portraiture by Elizabeth Peyton or Stella Vine, somehow looks both sentimental and mocking simultaneously.

It also points out how difficult (and faintly ridiculous) it is trying to pass yourself off – via image – as a modern conduit to self-healing. Take Oprah (featured in this show), for instance – how do you prove your wisdom has brought you gargantuan wealth, while still looking in touch with the average viewer? How can you show that you’ll be persuading your followers it’s what’s inside that counts, while still assuring them that you know how they can lose those love handles? And how do you dress in a way that conveys you know the secret of enlightenment unbound from the constraints of material wealth, but if anyone wants to find out they’ll need to buy your book ($29.99 RRP)? Are there earrings that say that?