Jade 

Robert McGinnis's "Jade" is an oil on canvas, demonstrating his mastery of the traditional medium for figurative work. McGinnis’s process is rooted in illustration, but he elevates it to a painterly level. The smooth blending and subtle gradations of tone speak to a deep understanding of light and form. Looking closely, we see the time-honored technique of layering paint to create luminosity in the flesh tones, a trick used by masters for centuries. Yet, unlike those historical paintings, here, McGinnis is deploying the skills to more populist ends. The artist was well-known for his paperback covers, a realm of commercial art far removed from the hallowed halls of high culture. McGinnis invites us to reconsider the social hierarchy, to question what we value in art, and to recognize the artistry inherent in all forms of creative expression. It is in that spirit that we can appreciate "Jade," and see how process and context give the work its unique charge.