ZZYZX 2014

James Jean created ZZYZX using digital painting, a process that blends traditional artistic skill with modern technology. Jean's choice of digital media influences the artwork's appearance, enabling meticulous detail, and a striking juxtaposition of textures, from smooth surfaces, to dynamic contours. The artwork is built layer upon layer, a technique that mirrors traditional painting while allowing for endless revision and refinement. Through these processes, ZZYZX invites contemplation on labor, technology, and consumption. The figure, equipped with tools, is an allusion to the work involved in commodity production. The high level of detail emphasizes not just the subject, but also the work that goes into its creation. Ultimately, ZZYZX challenges conventional distinctions between fine art and craft, urging us to recognize the skill and artistry inherent in digital painting, and also the social context in which all works of art are created.