Back to index of Nerve 8 - Spring 2006

Jason Jones: A Painterly Painter

By Kaye Kent

I first met Jason when I went to Hope University as an art consultant, looking for a student's work suitable for interior design projects. As Head Technician, he showed me round and asked in his unassuming manner if I would like to see his own portfolio. I was struck not only by the subtle beauty of his work, but also the shimmering intensity it expresses.

Having watched his work progress over the last couple of years, I have come to regard Jason as a 'purist' - an artist who paints from his soul. He has produced several bodies of work - such as 'Conflict', 'Holding the Moment' and 'Presence' - each evolving from the last. Although the individual painting is unique, the whole binds together aspects of personal experience.

Tensions and emotions recur from his earliest to latest works, with an equal importance attached to the application of paint.

His 'Holding the Moment' series describes memory, feeling, sensation, pleasure, sadness - the depth of human experience in a single moment - captured forever in the permanence of paint. The results are powerful, evocative and charged with an emotional energy which the viewer is compelled to engage with.
His most recent work takes a new direction, addressing the role of the male figure in contemporary life. The first painting in this series challenges common perceptions of the 'modern man' as strong, confident and able to cope with the trials and tribulations of life. Using his own body as the subject, he instead depicts himself as vulnerable and isolated, documenting an internal, unseen aspect of masculinity. Jason explains:

"Our own body image involves perception, emotions and physical sensations of and about our bodies. Here I intend to re-address the role of the male figure in painting, drawing on tensions of modern day life by descriptively discussing the unseen physical conflict of the body with the self."

With his commitments between the college and spending time in his studio, Jason is also manager and curator of the Cornerstone Gallery. Situated above the grand entrance of Liverpool Hope University's Cornerstone Building, this non-profit gallery provides opportunities for artists and guest-curators, with the aim of promoting new talent.

As a practising artist himself, Jason is well acquainted with the difficulties of breaking into the 'art scene' and getting that initial exposure. Therefore his commitment to creating opportunities for emerging talent is - like his paintings - something he is passionate about. The Cornerstone is also a great asset for the local community, creating access to contemporary art and a solid foundation for artistic discussion.

Whether a seasoned 'gallery-goer' or just someone looking for something different to do, the Cornerstone is well worth a visit. The relaxed and informal surroundings of the college building provide a pleasant environment for contemplating art, and a refreshing change from the usual white-washed cubicles. The gallery has already attracted the attention of local artists and public alike, earning a place at the forefront of the independent art scene in Liverpool.

Since first opening last year, the diverse program of events has included solo shows of local artists Sean Hawkridge, Ruth Thomas, Arthur Roberts and Craig Atkinson. From an interesting retrospective exhibition of internationally acclaimed painter and poet Adrian Henri to a group show by Walton prison inmates entitled 'Insider Art', the Cornerstone offers a unique balance of artistic expression by practising artists today.

Further information about the Cornerstone and forthcoming exhibitions can be found at: http://www.hope.ac.uk/cornerstonegallery

You can view more of Jason's work on his website: www.jasonjonesart.co.uk