Chrysanthemum 2019

James Jean’s “Chrysanthemum” presents us with a vision rendered in vibrant color. The approach to art making here is evident in the layering of the composition. The surface is built up with layers of fluid, graphic lines, which define and describe the forms in the painting. The lines feel like vectors almost, and direct our eye around the picture plane with an amazing dynamism. I’m particularly drawn to the way Jean’s use of color here creates a sense of depth and dimension. Look at how the interplay of reds and blues against the paler tones of the figures creates a harmonious yet unsettling composition. Jean’s work reminds me of that of Yoshitaka Amano, there’s the same merging of influences and an equal amount of space given to both figure and ground. Ultimately, "Chrysanthemum" exemplifies how art thrives on ambiguity, offering multiple layers of interpretation rather than fixed meanings.