SLATE Contemporary is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new works by Oakland Artist, Jimi Evins.
Jimi Evins is an abstract expressionist painter whose work invites viewers to experience a vibrant emotional response, while satisfying his own profound need for self expression through a mastery of his creative practice. Influenced by diverse sources including Chinese calligraphy, the work of 19th century painter William H. W. Turner, and Abstract Expressionist painters from the 1950s Robert Motherwell and Franz Kline; Evins’ work references myriad aspects the human existence from our connection to landscapes, the rhythmic patterns of jazz music, and how we process current events in our everyday lives. As an art educator teaching out of his West Oakland studio, Evins also understands the importance of the creative process for those who may not have the opportunity to express their thoughts and experiences. While providing his students with a space and tools to develop their voices, he is reminded of the freedom that can be found in creative exploration.
Jimi Evins will often say he is “in love with painting.” He is in love with how paint moves across the canvas. His large brush strokes show a body movement that is both impulsive and deliberate. These gestures pull the viewer into the work, revealing hidden layers as though catching a glimpse of a story beneath the surface of the canvas. Evins approaches each work with only a color palette in mind, allowing form to evolve throughout his process. He says, “I am in awe of how paint can be combined, shaped, and made into images never seen before, and still offer beautiful songs, poems and revelations.” The final compositions are spontaneous—yet balanced, displaying Evins’ interest in the study of paint, both as a medium and as a subject. While the titles of his works relate directly to what prompted him to create, they read more as poetry than descriptions or concrete thoughts. Evins is more interested in the viewer’s own visceral reaction, and acknowledges that each person has their own physical and physiological reactions to color and form. As Jimi Evins leaves his own expression on the canvas, we the viewer pick up the exploration, weaving our own narratives into the piece. Eventually the transparency and immediacy of Jimi Evins’ work functions as an invitation to be open and aware of how we look at art and how a work of art can make us feel.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jimi Evins graduated with High Distinction in painting from California College of Arts (Crafts). Since then, his work has been influenced by his travels to Africa, Jamaica, Mexico, and Europe, as well as his work with youth and collaborations with other artists. He has been a multi-year CAC Artist in residence, worked on various collective mural projects in the Bay Area and was the site coordinator and lead artist for the initial phase of 100 Families; Arts & Social Change Project in Oakland. Evins has exhibited at the High Museum in Atlanta, GA, Oakland Museum of California., San Francisco Art Commission, Oliver Hyde Gallery at CAC, Cañada College in Woodside, CA, San Pablo Gallery, San Pablo, CA, Solano College, Solano CA.
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