Speak of the Devil

​Joy Machine is thrilled to present Speak of the Devil, a joint exhibition of ceramic and mixed-media works by Chicago artists Haylie and Sydnie Jimenez. 

​An expression of endearment and surprise, “speak of the devil” is about manifesting what one desires. The idiom connotes a strange, even magical ability to conjure someone’s presence with a mere mention. Simply say their name and wait for them to appear.

​For Haylie and Sydnie Jimenez, making art is also an act of conjuring. Twin sisters with parallel and sometimes collaborative practices, the artists work primarily in ceramics and share a similar aesthetic, one rooted in narrative and rich with tattoos, piercings, and a generally punk style. Where Sydnie focuses on three-dimensions and builds figurative sculptures and totemic heads, Haylie prefers to etch scenes into flat panels. Both artists act as world-builders, depicting their queer, Black and brown friends and neighbors embracing their chosen kin. “These groups of people we call family and friends are the best of us and should be recognized as such,” the artists say. “We want to fully acknowledge our wonderful communities and depict them as they should be.”

​Join us for art, drinks, cake, s'mores and DJ. You can also join our collector preview list.