Skippers 2019

James Jean created "Skippers" sometime after his birth in 1979. This work envelops us in a dreamscape filled with figures that seem to float in a space unburdened by gravity. Jean, a Taiwanese-American artist, blends a variety of cultural and historical motifs. His work balances between the traditional and the contemporary, mixing western and eastern art historical references, to create a visionary style. The characters appear gender-neutral, which allows for a fluid interpretation of identity. The butterflies and floral elements suggest transformation and beauty, perhaps referencing the artist's own journey of cultural hybridity. The cat perched on the figure adds a touch of whimsy, as well as a sense of companionship. The warm tones and fantastical imagery evoke a world of playful imagination, where identity is not fixed, but in constant imaginative transformation. "Skippers" encourages us to embrace the fluidity of identity and to find beauty in our own unique blend of experiences.