Piggyback 2015

James Jean made this drawing, Piggyback, with what looks like blue pencil or maybe ink. It's incredibly intricate, a real testament to the power of process and close looking. The whole image shimmers with a cool, dreamlike quality. The surface feels almost velvety. Jean's use of line is remarkable; it's so delicate and precise, but also incredibly expressive. Look at how he uses varying line weights to create depth and texture, especially in the floral elements. It's like he's building up the image layer by layer, letting the details emerge organically. Then, there's this fabulous tension between representation and abstraction, like the forms are dissolving and reforming before our eyes. Jean's work reminds me a bit of old masters like Durer, in his use of line. It’s a constant reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, a remix of ideas across time. Ultimately, Piggyback exists in a space of ambiguity, inviting multiple interpretations.