The figures in Erik Jones’s paintings are enmeshed in generous heaps of abstract marks, subsumed in the saturated hues of cerulean blue, aqua and crimson. Yet the New York-based artist (featured on the cover of Hi-Fructose Vol. 27) strikes a careful balance between abstraction and figuration, using the realistically-painted character as a compositional element in equilibrium with his design elements. While Jones has said in the past that his intentions are primarily to create visual pleasure, his upcoming show at Hashimoto Contemporary in San Francisco, “Motion,” delves into symbolic territory.
Invoking the classical theme of mortality, Jones presents a range of paintings that go from figurative to completely abstract: first, they feature youthful, nude figures; then, abstract marks encasing skulls; and finally, only the abstraction prevails, a gesture towards the fear of the unknown that often accompanies our thoughts about death. “Motion” opens on July 5. Take a look at our preview below.
Erik Jones in his studio.
