Brawl 2022

James Jean made this painting, Brawl, using vivid color to explore childhood conflict. He is a contemporary painter, and is in conversation with artists, past and present. Here, the clash of hues—fiery reds against cool blues—mirrors the tension of two figures locked in a struggle. The artist has built the composition through layers of color and meticulous detail. Notice how the butterflies and flowers contrast with the violence that is taking place. I imagine James Jean thinking about memory and the ways we process tough moments through fantasy. The painting has an otherworldly glow, almost as if this fight exists outside of the realm of reality. Jean’s use of color feels incredibly physical; you can almost feel the heat of the red and the cool touch of blue. Jean seems to suggest that even in moments of chaos, beauty and imagination persist. It is a reminder of the complex emotional landscapes we all navigate, and the capacity for art to reflect and transform our experiences.