James Jean's Solo Show "Azimuth" at KaiKai KiKi Gallery, Tokyo
ByTina RimJAMES JEAN, Schrödinger's Kitten Rescue, 2018 Acrylic on canvas 48 x 60 in. Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
Kaikai Kiki Gallery is proud to announce that, from April 6 to May 3, 2018, they will be presenting “Azimuth,” a solo exhibition of works by James Jean.
Born in Taiwan and based in Los Angeles, James Jean has been recognized both in the U.S. and internationally after initially making a name for himself as an illustrator in the early 2000s. Since then, Jean has accumulated more than a decade’s worth of exhibition history across New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo; produced major collaborations with fashion brand Prada; and worked on various projects with such notable names as Apple and Beats by Dre. Jean has slowly but surely begun to establish himself as a creative force unhindered by the confines of categorization, and his upcoming show at Kaikai Kiki Gallery will highlight his artistic evolution through a brilliant array of paintings and drawings, complemented by an installation of glowing stained glass centerpieces.
JAMES JEAN, Sunshower, 2018, Acrylic on Synthetic Textile, 1460 x 2032 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
JAMES JEAN, Shroud, 2018, Acrylic on Synthetic Textile 1460 x 2032 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
The title of this exhibition, “Azimuth”-- defined as the position of a celestial object in the sky in relation to the Earth’s horizon-- poetically alludes to the artist’s internal compass in approaching the creation of these works, guided forth by the energy of blood bonds and filial love. Jean’s signature artwork style of delicate lines and ambient tones, described by many as moody dreamscapes of the fantastical and romantic, have often tended to veer into muted, darker themes. “Azimuth,” however, marks a turning point in the artist’s emotional landscape: The heart of the exhibition plays on the radiance of color and light, and conveys the hope of a somber spirit re-saturated by the brightness and innocence of his son’s childhood.
JAMES JEAN, Dance, 2018, Acrylic on canvas, 1219 x 1524 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
Installation view of "Azimuth" by James Jean.
Photo by Ikki Ogata.
But as a reaction to my previous work, I’ve fully immersed myself in light, igniting a sun to reveal a realm of ultimate optimism and innocence, encouraging the shadows to retreat into their crevices and obediently delineate the form. I’ve created portals of stained glass, through which light can travel and discharge bursts of color. The heavy black lines surrounding the glass, made from bending strips of soft lead, resemble the drawings in the stacks of coloring books that surround my studio. - James Jean
Installation view of "Azimuth" by James Jean.
Photo by Ikki Ogata.
James Jean is an artist of the narrative world. But he is not an illustrator that embodies his clients’ wills in his work. He is an artist who can visually express various languages of thoughts; an artist who is meant to hold center stage going forward. – Takashi Murakami
Installation view of "Azimuth" by James Jean.
Photo by Ikki Ogata.
JAMES JEAN, Fireworks Drawing, 2017, Graphite on paper, 175 x 216 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
JAMES JEAN, Fireworks, 2018, Acrylic and Oil on Canvas, 1219 x 1524 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
JAMES JEAN, Aviarus Drawing, 2017, Graphite on paper, 267 x 140 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
JAMES JEAN, Honey Gatherer Drawing 3, 2016, Ink on printmaking paper, 406 x 610 mm.
Image courtesy of the artist and Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
Browse more of James Jean's work here. All text and information above by Kaikai Kiki Gallery.
April 6 2018 - May 3 2018
Gallery Opening Hours - 11am - 7pm
Closed on - Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays
*Open on the May 3rd, Public Holiday
Address: Japan, 〒106-0046 Tokyo, Minato, Motoazabu, ２丁目3−30 クレストビル
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