“An Ideal Place” represents not only abstract physical landscapes, but the terrain of emotion that Jaq travels through as she paints. This entire series was created in a few ambitious months. Her drive to be so prolific is steered by intense feelings that are released in varied brush strokes and, at times, bursts of unexpected and intense colour.
Because the complexity of emotions and moods can not simply be summed up in a word or two, Jaq, like many artists, uses a brush and canvas to communicate what might otherwise be impossible to express. This means these works are quite personal.
Abstraction also means that each viewer may find it easier to connect to these works on a more personal level depending on how they identify and connect to the represented feeling in their own lives. What Jaq may paint as a response to her own anger may trigger a feeling of fear or excitement in someone else. Because the interpretation is subjective, or widely variable for each individual, the beauty of these paintings dives deeper than the surface of the canvas.
Upstairs, the exhibition mixes vibrantly cool and wispy blues of the 'Lost in Translation' triptych with other paintings that use a washing technique in more neutral, sometimes organic, colours. Also on the top floor are seven very small canvasses that give the impression of 'Swimming Upstream' or feeling 'Submerged', metaphorically speaking.
Downstairs, you will find a varied selection of works from the same collection. 'Transition in Time' stands alone because it represents a change, something unstable or unsettled, an emotional turning point. The back wall features strong, confident colours and brush strokes in 'Secret Weapon' and 'A Walk Down Park Avenue', representing a more stable mood. The side walls are, again, more neutral. The large range of colour in “An Ideal Place” results from Jaq's painting in response to her powerful emotions.
Looking straight ahead at the back wall upstairs or downstairs, or in the gallery window, one gathers a feeling of confidence and direction, strength and a straight path toward a goal of some description. The side walls seem to depict fragments of variously combined emotions, times of reasoning, imagining, of decision making, dips into memories from the past or dreams of the future.
Standing close to these detailed works is a much different experience than viewing them from a distance. They are full of strong valleys of colour amongst mountains of texture and interwoven movements of the brush. Jaq's entire body is involved in these paintings, not just her hand that holds the brush. Enthusiasm in the creation of each piece is apparent.
You are welcome t0 visit the exhibition at 112 Heath Street, Hampstead, to see and enjoy for yourself! Please leave a note or email info@jiqjaq.com if you request more information.
