Jess (Collins) American, 1923-2004
Mystic Writing XI, 1955
handmade oil and wax crayon on paper
11 x 10 in
27.9 x 25.4 cm
27.9 x 25.4 cm
Further images
In this colorful compounding of decorative patterns and nonsense symbols, Jess plays with multiple layers of meaning. His faux-mystic writings allude to mid-century Bay Area artists’ interests in Asian religion...
In this colorful compounding of decorative patterns and nonsense symbols, Jess plays with multiple layers of meaning. His faux-mystic writings allude to mid-century Bay Area artists’ interests in Asian religion and practices while the abstract planes take on a domestic tone, perhaps referring to tablecloths, kitchen towels, mattress ticking, or pajamas.
The crayons used in this piece were handmade by Gui de Angulo, a friend of the artist.
The crayons used in this piece were handmade by Gui de Angulo, a friend of the artist.
Exhibitions
San Francisco, CA, Hosfelt Gallery, BRUCE CONNER + JESS: THE VIRTUE OF UNCERTAINTY, 5 September - 14 October 2023San Francisco, CA, Hosfelt Gallery, OFF THE GRID: post-formal conceptualism, 11 April - 20 May 2023