ELASTICISM - The Contemporary Abstact Works of Jess Nelson
Created by Jess Nelson in 1964 Revisted in 2024
"RUBBER TREES" by Jess Nelson a natural and synthetic painting after original in 1964
Elasticism, as articulated by Jess Nelson, introduces a compelling framework within contemporary abstract art that captures the dynamic interplay between physicality and emotional resonance. Coined by Nelson in 1964 and revisited in 2024, the term encapsulates an artistic philosophy where elasticity becomes not only a characteristic of the medium but also a metaphor for the human experience.
At its core, Elasticism emphasizes the dual states of extension and contraction, mirroring the complexities of human existence. Just as individuals experience tension and tranquility, Nelson's artworks embody these concepts through their physical forms—sculptures and paintings that visually and texturally oscillate between firmness and fluidity. The choice of natural and synthetic materials, and the techniques employed result in compositions that can be interpreted as reflections of the fluctuating emotional and psychological states of the artist and, by extension, humanity as a whole.
The vibrant colors and flexible shapes that populate Nelson's canvases play a crucial role in this dialogue. By introducing hues that evoke calmness alongside forms that suggest and display tension, Nelson creates a visual language that compels viewers to engage with their own feelings and thoughts. His color emulsions, almost like serene pools, invite contemplation, while the elastic physical properties of the artwork challenge perceptions of stability and rigidity.
Furthermore, the incorporation of molded imprints of the artist's hands and fingerprints serves a dual purpose: it personalizes the artwork and reinforces the connection between the artist and their creation, blurring the lines between creator and observer. This intimate quality resonates with the philosophical underpinnings of Elasticism, where the act of creation itself becomes a dialogue about existence and the multifaceted nature of reality.
In summary, Elasticism is more than just a style; it is a conceptual framework that invites us to explore the elasticity of our own lives, encouraging a profound engagement with both the artworks and the underlying human experience they represent. Through Jess Nelson's innovative approach, Elasticism challenges traditional boundaries in art, reinforcing the notion that art is not merely a reflection of the world but an active participant in the ongoing narrative of human experience.
At its core, Elasticism emphasizes the dual states of extension and contraction, mirroring the complexities of human existence. Just as individuals experience tension and tranquility, Nelson's artworks embody these concepts through their physical forms—sculptures and paintings that visually and texturally oscillate between firmness and fluidity. The choice of natural and synthetic materials, and the techniques employed result in compositions that can be interpreted as reflections of the fluctuating emotional and psychological states of the artist and, by extension, humanity as a whole.
The vibrant colors and flexible shapes that populate Nelson's canvases play a crucial role in this dialogue. By introducing hues that evoke calmness alongside forms that suggest and display tension, Nelson creates a visual language that compels viewers to engage with their own feelings and thoughts. His color emulsions, almost like serene pools, invite contemplation, while the elastic physical properties of the artwork challenge perceptions of stability and rigidity.
Furthermore, the incorporation of molded imprints of the artist's hands and fingerprints serves a dual purpose: it personalizes the artwork and reinforces the connection between the artist and their creation, blurring the lines between creator and observer. This intimate quality resonates with the philosophical underpinnings of Elasticism, where the act of creation itself becomes a dialogue about existence and the multifaceted nature of reality.
In summary, Elasticism is more than just a style; it is a conceptual framework that invites us to explore the elasticity of our own lives, encouraging a profound engagement with both the artworks and the underlying human experience they represent. Through Jess Nelson's innovative approach, Elasticism challenges traditional boundaries in art, reinforcing the notion that art is not merely a reflection of the world but an active participant in the ongoing narrative of human experience.
Both New & Old Works By Jess Nelson
Jess Nelson's latest painting creations represent a breathtaking culmination of his innovative artistic philosophy—a harmonious fusion of natural and synthetic elements that reflects the intricate relationship between human artistry and the natural world. Known for his striking sculptural works that meld precious metals and crystal minerals, Jess now turns his visionary eye toward the canvas to explore this duality in a new and exciting medium.
In these recent works, Nelson employs a unique natural canvas crafted from burlap, a fiber derived from the Jute plant, which is deftly laminated with polyethylene (PE), a synthetic homopolymer. This innovative combination serves as a foundation for his vibrant custom paint emulsions, composed of natural rubber latex, a sap from Amazon rubber trees, mineral pigments, and man-made vinyl polymers. Through this meticulous selection and juxtaposition of materials, Jess underscores the complex molecular structures of Carbon and Hydrogen, transforming them into Fine Art that blurs the boundaries between the organic and the industrial.
The genesis of this creative endeavor can be traced back to 1964, when a young Jess, bursting with ideas after leaving college, embarked on a path to establish his own studio. His impulsive ambition, however, was met with cautionary advice from his instructors, who feared that his groundbreaking ideas would be appropriated by more seasoned artists. Respecting their counsel, he set these ambitions aside—until now. Today, as a revered figure in the art world, Jess presents these long-awaited works, inviting viewers to engage with the evolution of his artistic vision.
Jess’s new paintings are not just mere representations; they are explorations of form and color, drawing inspiration from various historical art movements. They traverse the spectrum from the representational to the abstract, engaging with a wealth of styles and techniques that echo the rich tapestry of art history. Each piece serves as a testament to his ability to reinterpret and reshape recognized aesthetics through his unique lens.
In this fresh collection, Jess Nelson invites us to participate in a dialogue about the interplay of nature and craftsmanship. With each brushstroke and stretch of rubber, he blurs the line between reality and abstraction, challenging the viewer to consider the origin of materials and the depth of expression inherent in their juxtaposition. Will these new masterpieces carve their own niche in the history of art, just as his previous work has done? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jess Nelson continues to redefine the boundaries of artistic creation with his unparalleled vision.
In these recent works, Nelson employs a unique natural canvas crafted from burlap, a fiber derived from the Jute plant, which is deftly laminated with polyethylene (PE), a synthetic homopolymer. This innovative combination serves as a foundation for his vibrant custom paint emulsions, composed of natural rubber latex, a sap from Amazon rubber trees, mineral pigments, and man-made vinyl polymers. Through this meticulous selection and juxtaposition of materials, Jess underscores the complex molecular structures of Carbon and Hydrogen, transforming them into Fine Art that blurs the boundaries between the organic and the industrial.
The genesis of this creative endeavor can be traced back to 1964, when a young Jess, bursting with ideas after leaving college, embarked on a path to establish his own studio. His impulsive ambition, however, was met with cautionary advice from his instructors, who feared that his groundbreaking ideas would be appropriated by more seasoned artists. Respecting their counsel, he set these ambitions aside—until now. Today, as a revered figure in the art world, Jess presents these long-awaited works, inviting viewers to engage with the evolution of his artistic vision.
Jess’s new paintings are not just mere representations; they are explorations of form and color, drawing inspiration from various historical art movements. They traverse the spectrum from the representational to the abstract, engaging with a wealth of styles and techniques that echo the rich tapestry of art history. Each piece serves as a testament to his ability to reinterpret and reshape recognized aesthetics through his unique lens.
In this fresh collection, Jess Nelson invites us to participate in a dialogue about the interplay of nature and craftsmanship. With each brushstroke and stretch of rubber, he blurs the line between reality and abstraction, challenging the viewer to consider the origin of materials and the depth of expression inherent in their juxtaposition. Will these new masterpieces carve their own niche in the history of art, just as his previous work has done? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jess Nelson continues to redefine the boundaries of artistic creation with his unparalleled vision.