James Jean

Maze - Lucid

€1,000

Limited edition of 37630.0 (H) × 22.6 (W) × 15.9 (D) cm

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James Jean captures the aura of Maze with a translucent sculpture.

For Maze (Lucid), James reimagines one of his enduring muses. First depicted in a 2008 painting, Maze is poised in a quiet moment of reflection. The character rests her hands upon a hoop enclosing a circular labyrinth, representing the human quest to find freedom when following new paths.

Her new-found translucency is achieved with a frosted resin casting. Refined over months to find the perfect levels of transparency and fidelity, the medium allows light to filter through the sculpture. The edition is accompanied with a detached labyrinth and stick, to be assembled upon arrival.

An ode to Degas' dancers

Whilst developing Maze - Lucid, James returned to his original reference of Edgar Degas’ ballet dancers. During a life drawing session accompanied by a dancer, James re-draws the pose of Maze with a renewed perspective.

The posture of Maze is a nod to the nimble ballerinas that the impressionist artist would draw from the wings of the Paris Opéra. Her feet are gently turned out, her hands delicately rest upon her hoop and her head is dipped just slightly.

As time passes, I begin to see the Maze character with new eyes. Labyrinths and mazes have always been metaphors for the human quest, frequently descending into darkness and filled with obstructions. To be set free, you must find the path under new light.
James Jean

Watch the whole life drawing session here.

Photographer: Yuri Hasagawa
Dancer: Nayomi Van Brunt

artist in his studio wearing black hoodie

James Jean22 collaborationsTaiwanese-American artist James Jean makes contemporary pop art that has captured the imagination of the art world and popular culture. His colossal internet following is a testament to his instantly recognisable style, which mixes a comic and manga sensibility with the detailed prowess of Renaissance painting and traditional Japanese wood carving. In his early career in the 2000s, James worked as a cover artist for the historic publisher DC Comics. During his time there, he became renowned in the industry and won numerous awards. Decades later, James is an internationally acclaimed artist famous for his painting, drawing, and digital artworks, as well as his sculptures and installations.

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