Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Jared Joslin: Stop, Look, Glisten

Jared Joslin is like the roaring 20's circus show that I want to see.  I must first admit, I'm scared of clowns, and artists that are clowns.  But Jared Joslin is the kind of artist that is anything but a clown.  I wish he adapted Water for Elephants to film, but he didn't and no one went to see that movie.  His show "Stop, Look, Glisten" @ Firecat Projects Gallery in Chicago opens May 27th to June 18th.

Circus self portrait Jared Joslin


I can enjoy his work, not just because it's skillful and intelligent, but there is something layered beneath the detail. It's like a semi transparent mirror into a short lived time period that was rot with sadness, yet at the same time romance. American culture was shaped so dramatically as people's entire savings were lost, while others over indulged.  The party was short but the fashion, style and nostalgic permanence is so intriguing. 

Shore Leave Jared Joslin

Jared is obviously highly influenced and effected by this time period, but he has the will to illustrate those visions into meaningful snippets of a history all too soon to be lost as our grandparents pass on and we neglect to listento them.  His paintings remind me of the murmuring of our past, one in which technology and industry was moving headlong into lifestyle and art. 
shooting gallery Jared Joslin
PS. Good things come in pairs. Jared's wife Jessica Joslin, is also a ridiculously bright and talented artist. 

Jessica Joslin

1 comment:

  1. Jared Joslin is the most fantastic portraitist I've seen.
    He's a mash-up between Otto Dix and DaVinci.
    My all-time favorite stumble over his work was crossing his Circus self-portrait with:

    Dix's - http://www.ananasamiami.com/2011/05/self-portraits-by-otto-dix.html

    and DaVinci's - http://www.strefa-legnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/300px-The_Lady_with_an_Ermine1.jpg

    Joslin is a master of the brush. Oils and varnish - blows my mind everytime. Check out his current exhibition at FIRECAT STUDIO in Chicago's Wicker Park.

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