Adrift III 2020

James Jean made this painting, Adrift III, from who knows what, maybe dreams and schemes, probably some paint and brushes. I love the monochromatic pinks, it’s not just the color, but how it must have felt to lay down all those layers. Did he start with the wave patterns in the background and then let the figures emerge? Or did he have a vision of a swan-like creature, tenderly touching the hand of a reclining figure? The swan is so weird and floral and surreal. It reminds me of Odilon Redon, who liked to have the strangest things be connected and touching. I can imagine Jean in his studio, thinking “More pink! No, less pink! More swan feathers! Tweak the waves!” It’s like the painting is revealing itself to him as he works, you know? Like the medium itself is in charge. It’s a reminder that as artists, we’re all just borrowing and building on each other’s ideas, hopefully in a good way.