Parasola 2017

James Jean’s ‘Parasola’ is a work of art that invites us to contemplate themes of vulnerability and resilience, all rendered with a delicate touch. I can only imagine what Jean was thinking when he made this; perhaps reflecting on the fragility of the human condition. The figure seems to be merging with its environment, as though nature and the self are intertwined. The angular shapes and soft gradients create a push and pull; a tension in the work, highlighting the play between organic and geometric forms. I love the drip of paint down her chest, so visceral and present. It is an elegant and unsettling gesture. In the practices of painters like Hilma af Klint, you see artists investigating unseen dimensions, just like Jean, offering us a glimpse into inner landscapes. Ultimately, painting is about adding to a conversation, building upon layers of artistic tradition and innovation.