I've been a huge fan of Fables cover artist James Jean for a few years now. It brings me such joy each month to see him bring my favorite fables to life and he does it like no one ever has before. Like many other people, I was saddened to hear he'd be leaving Fables after issue #81 but it was with the knowledge he'd have time to pursue more personal work. I was therefore thrilled to find out I'd be attending the opening of his debut solo fine art exhibition, Kindling.
Admirers stand before a three-panel piece entitled, "Toy Maker," at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York City. It was a snowy, picturesque night in the city but it was nothing compared to what I would find inside. Exhibited were mixed-media paintings and drawings on canvas, linen and paper. Each had it's own character and magic.
It was tough deciding on a favorite from the collection. I think the one I'm pictured with here, "Shattered," came in a close number two. The fact that it showed a redhead beating a man had nothing to do with it obviously. :)
There were also several sketches on display as well. Some were slightly different than their painting counterparts, others were so similar I was astounded they translated so well.
"Fountain 2," the companion piece to "Fountain 1," really caught my eye. The little boy is missing his legs.
Without a doubt one of the most impressive works of art on display was "Willow Horse." It's 72 x 60 and drop dead gorgeous in person. If you live in the area I highly recommend going to the exhibit. It will be running until February 7, 2009.
Last but not least it's my favorite. "Vanity." Can you blame me? More imagination, this man could not have. Turns out James Jean, although born in Taiwan, was raised right here in New Jersey. I knew I liked him for a reason.I have no doubt James Jean is going to have oodles of success after he finishes his run on Fables next month. Before I even got to the opening almost all of the paintings and sketches were already sold. I wouldn't have been able to afford any of them anyway but it's nice to know his beautiful work is appreciated by all.
5 comments:
That "Vanity" piece is fantastic! Do you know if he landed into comics "by accident" as they say or if he had pursued comics intentionally?
I'm not exactly sure. I just did a quick search and the most detail I found was:
"Immediately upon graduating from the School of Visual Arts, he became a regular cover artist for DC/Vertigo Comics in 2001."
So jealous right now. James Jean art continually astonishes me, and I wish I had the time to take a trip to that gallery.
By the way, I am extremely jealous that you got to go to this. You don't even understand. Hopefully I can find some time in between the con to make it to this before it closes!
Aww, you guys should definitely try to get over there if you can. I think the gallery is open until 6pm.
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