La ronde marine 1987

Jean-Paul Jerome made La ronde marine from cut paper, likely using a technique called collage, in which different shapes and colors were layered to produce the composition. The artwork depends heavily on the inherent properties of the paper itself. Notice the way the colors interact, how the solid planes define and create space. The texture of the paper is also crucial; it absorbs light differently than a painted surface would, giving a matte finish that contributes to the artwork's flatness and graphic quality. Jerome's method of working involved a hands-on approach. The physical act of cutting, arranging, and pasting each piece of paper can be seen as a labor-intensive process, that is a deliberate choice. This contrasts sharply with more mechanized forms of production, and emphasizes the artist's direct engagement with the materials. By drawing attention to the process and materiality, Jerome challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, and invites us to consider the social context of production.