Exhibits & Events

Arch Enemy Arts presents J L King’s solo debut, IMPRESSIONS, eight works in oil on linen that “explore the lasting impressions that come with finding connection beyond the differences.” In these still lifes, buzzing with energy, King boasts impressive trompe l’oeil finesse—painted marble frames, ripped canvas, the backs of paintings, droplets of water that seem to bead and trickle. She then combines her 3D illusions with a style of surrealism that recalls some of the greats, painters like Magritte, Kay Sage, and de Chirico. As if that weren’t enough, each piece in IMPRESSIONS makes a protagonist of one or more composite creatures—fat-bottomed pears, potted green-people, and one giant strawberry-fly—adding a contemporary-pop humor that is an absolute joy to behold.

“I am intrigued by the restlessness of nature and the boundless evolution to exist; these elements allow for limitless combinations and hybridizations to imagine with nature’s creatures. I hope that my depictions may be familiar enough to inspire the imagination with playful views of the world that we live in. I avoid hardline messages and open my work up to more visceral responses, in favor of a ‘living’ painting that projects an emotion that can change with time in the viewer. If seeing my work leads to a curious smile, I’m pleased.” - J L King

J L King (b. 1973) is based in San Francisco, where she was born and raised in a large multiethnic family. Her mother is Chinese American and her father is African American, both were talented artists in the visual and performing arts, but King’s earliest career pursuits were in health and science. A self-taught artist, albeit with strong creative roots, King began exhibiting her paintings professionally in 2016. She started showing with AEA in 2022 after submitting to our Spotlight Showcase, and we fell in love with her fresh perspective and impeccable technique. Thus, we are ecstatic to present IMPRESSIONS, the artist’s first solo feature with the gallery.

IMPRESSIONS runs from 2/21/26 - 3/15/26 with a First Friday reception on 3/6/26 from 5 pm - 9 pm. We invite you to join us! The artist will be in attendance.