“Any figurative work is never really planned, rather, just evolves from thinking about or seeing a palette that really works. My paintings are like this - raw and unrefined and unapologetic."
Saturating the canvas with folkloric, almost fairytale like narratives, self taught artist, Jordan Kerwick, enters his artwork with an emphasis on how colours work together and what textures can be achieved, as opposed to the value given to the chosen subject matter. Largely autobiographical, Kerwick’s work displays strong reflections of the feelings and environments surrounding him on a day to day basis, from the music of Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, to art historical still-life’s references. Erupting onto the art scene only recently, Jordan Kerwick’s bold, raw and unapologetic approach has already established him international success. He has shown in galleries around Melbourne, London, Tokyo and Paris.
Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1982, Kerwick lives and works in a former school in the South of France with his wife and two children. Originally coming from a marketing background, Kerwick began his painting career in 2016, reinventing himself through the art of painting. He spends much of his day in the studio, with no less than 10 paintings on the go at any given time. At first, Kerwick creates some basic studies, nothing of detail, then begins playing with composition and form for his large abstract works. His botanical compositions echo the grounding and neutralising elements of nature that follow still-life’s of more abstract, gestural works.
The traverse practice of Kerwick’s work embraces both the calm and the chaotic. Radiohead, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, including art historical references of Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism, have provided much companionship that have contributed by virtue to Kerwick’s visual impulse.
Jordan Kerwick has quickly acquired global recognition he has had solo exhibitions with Allouche Benais Athens, Galerie Julie Cadet, Paris, Delphain Gallery and Union Gallery, London.