Seen: James Jean @ Jonathan Levine (NY)

Illustrator, artist and Prada collaborator James Jean opened his first solo in NY this weekend, and I was lucky enough to attend the private preview. While technically a “preview” night, the show was still packed with fans and collectors. “Kindling” is James’ first solo exhibition, and he certainly opened with a bang.

Most of the large scale paintings and drawings were already sold, and we only wished we had an opportunity to get our hands on one – but maybe another day. James was there with family and friends and was nice enough to chat with us for a minute.

His large paintings were quite dramatic, and incredibly detailed with soft color palette’s and washes mixed with more illustrative elements.

[Additional art work pics, source: Arrested Motion]

I think I will let the press release speak out, as Malena at Jonathan Levine did a better job describing the work than I will, or you can discuss James in our forum:

“Jean’s imaginative compositions feature ethereal figures; fluid in motion, and graceful in gesture. His fantasy dreamscapes capture compelling moments, often represented beyond the laws of gravity, on an undefined plane. Incorporating traditional symbolism and dynamic narratives, Kindling introduces finely rendered imagery created with Jean’s unique aesthetic, extraordinarily kinetic style and sophisticated color palette. The subjects, as the artist explains, glide through the tableaux, tracing a narrative of thwarted desires. His subtle yet suggestive themes of metamorphosis, mortality, and sexuality blend together seamlessly, bridging the gap between the real and imagined.

Jean uses exquisitely contoured line work to form the spatial relationships between his paint and canvas, resulting in a harmonious balance which can—at times—be experienced as if set to music. Several of his large-scale paintings are divided into multiple panels, echoing motifs from Chinese silk scroll paintings and Japanese wood block prints; two traditions which are sources of inspiration for the works in this show. ”