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
