A Substack Love Story
From Brainrot to Brilliant Art by Jeanine Brito
Dear Art Lover,
One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2025? Spending less time mindlessly scrolling on social media. Especially Instagram, because, let’s be honest, I spend way too much time koekeloeren on that app (koekeloeren, a delightful Dutch word that perfectly captures the act of mindlessly drifting through time.)
And my motivation for this resolution? Well, I recently discovered that Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year is “brainrot.” A feeling that, I must admit, hits a little too close to home these days.
"Brain rot is defined as 'the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging.' – Oxford University Press
But... despite my complaints about overconsumption of mind-numbing content and the slow erosion of my creativity, something almost magical happened this week while I was - yes, scrolling on Instagram again.
Almost exactly a year ago, I received an Art Forecast Substack newsletter by Tatum Dooley titled: “A Studio Visit: Jeanine Brito. Roses that never die, Persian carpets, and plush armchairs.” I was instantly hooked. The deep red tones, the staged drama, the eerie fairytale-like atmosphere… Stunning.
Through Tatum’s newsletter, I discovered an interview with Jeanine by another Substack writer, Marlowe Granados, based in Toronto, Canada. (I’ve linked both newsletters below for those who want to dive deeper into the artist’s work).
Inspiring, right? But how does it all connect?
Well, once upon a time (or rather, during yet another doom-scrolling session), I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw one of my artist friends on Instagram post Jeanine’s work in her story. I immediately messaged her: “Wait... is this in Belgium, or are you visiting Jeanine’s studio in Toronto?”
To which she casually replied: “No, girl, she’s in Antwerp, but not for long! And her work is being shipped off to the US after the weekend, so if you want to see it, better be quick!”
And just like that, I slid into Jeanine’s DMs (how easy is life in the digital age?) and she replied almost instantly:
"Hi Emily! So serendipitous to hear from you, actually! I was looking at your newsletter maybe a week ago because Tatum recommended it. How’s 4 P.M.?”
I did a little happy dance. Excuse me, what?!
Jeanine grew up in a German household (and normally lives and works in Toronto), where the tales of the Brothers Grimm were part of her daily diet: original fairy tales filled with hidden moral lessons and virtues, many of which have since been romanticised and adapted by Disney.
Her work, however, also offers a critical perspective on how women are (still) objectified today. You can clearly see this in the piece below, where she portrays herself first as a dressed-up adult, then repeats the image in an almost infantile, borderline sexualised version on her knees, and finally, as a doll in her own hands; the ultimate symbol of female objectification.
"Of all places in the world, why on earth did you end up spending the last few months in my hometown, Antwerp?" I asked her at her studio.
Jeanine laughed: “You’re not the first Belgian to ask me that! But for me, this city has so much to offer: an incredibly rich art history, beautiful architecture, interesting museums, amazing fashion, and oh, the food! You are really spoiled here.”
I couldn’t agree more. As an Antwerp local, we’re often seen as the most arrogant Belgians – proud and unapologetically so.
I asked if she had had the opportunity to exhibit in Belgium, but she said no. “It’s a bit tricky, since I don’t have much insight into the Belgian market yet or what type of galleries would be a good fit here.”
Sadly, it looks like Jeanine’s work won’t be in Belgium for much longer. Which is why I’m so grateful for the internet. It was one of those wholesome moments where two Substack newsletters from the other side of the world introduced me to her work, and, by some twist of fate, she ended up right in my backyard. And to top it all off, the fact that she had actually discovered my newsletter? Full circle moment.
Substack, you rock. And Instagram... well, you’ve got your magical moments too ;)
See you next week,
Emily xx
PS: Check out the links below if you want to read more about Jeanine Brito and her work.
No wayy!!!! I discovered Jeanine Brito and curated her first solo show online during covid ! And then we did another show together in London. She is SO amazing !
I've admired Jeanine's work for so long! Thank you for sharing this x