ARTIST FEATURE - JONATHAN OAKES
Updated: Sep 1
ARTIST | FEATURE
JONATHAN OAKES
This Month's artist feature is Jonathan Oakes, an abstract artist based in Gloucester. Influenced by environmental concerns and the difference between natural and synthetic experiences. Jonathan creates mixed media works in an organic style provoking thoughtfulness and flights of imagination in his viewers.
Thoroughly abstract in style, and uncompromising in his approach to deep thinking and thoughtful representation of experience, society and the human condition; Jonathan is expressive in that genuine way, before AI told everyone to say it. His works are truthful, organic, at times poignant, and often as entirely un-perfect as the subjects they represent.
Using acrylic, pencil, on board, on canvas, on old photographs, Jonathan is experimental in both his mixed media approach and his compositions – never using the same composition twice, his work is never safe, but has a the quality of an artist searching, playing, fully expressing his ideas. He pairs intense details with swathes of loose painting creating balance and interest within his pieces.
Using a mix of bold lines against soft brushes, the marks curve, bend, undulate, repeat; following the natural rhythms of thought. Jonathan uses sensitive colours; natural pigments, subdued but not muted, echoing life in its saturated but not exaggerated way.
Jonathan is a world builder. Or perhaps a world reflector. Through his bodies of work a place emerges, it is this world but a little off kilter, it is a vision of the artists reflection of our human experience. Sometimes a recognisable scene, sometimes so abstract a line works hard to tell a story, the works are raw and unfiltered at times animalistic – are they looking back to an age of rock paintings or forward to a dystopian future? They can feel both prehistoric and futuristic at once, both ominous yet delightful; a wonderful balance.
Jonathan was featured in the Tarpey Open in Castle Donington last month, and his solo exhibition is coming up at Spring Gallery in Cheltenham later this month, so keep your eyes peeled. Find out more over on his portfolio.
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