john reuss clown paintings

The Clowny World of John Reuss

Danish self taught artist, John Reuss work is characterized by contrasts (and clown faces) – the juxtaposition of opposites on several levels – which is recognized throughout his paintings.

Fine detail, drawn lines and meticulously painted shapes clash with bold brushstrokes, spatters and blurred contours. Soft organic shapes and multifaceted figures meet hard, calculated geometric abstractions.

john reuss clown painting

john reuss clown painting

john reuss clown painting

john reuss clown painting

For me the creative process is a key to that inner, psychological world – balancing on the border of the conscious and subconscious and revolving around themes like how we relate to the world we live in, the definition of “self” contra the surrounding world, our bodily integrity and mortality.

john reuss clown painting

I apply multiple layers, adding and removing elements and I work directly on the canvas, drawing my sketches up with paint or charcoal. I often include charcoal and pencil drawings in several layers, resulting in a more sensitive and fragile “feel”.

john reuss clown painting

john reuss clown painting

john reuss clown painting

Since my process is cyclic it is also endless – I will often revisit already “finished work” and rework it all over again, giving it a new dimension and adding to the historicity of the work.

john reuss clown painting

www.johnreuss.com




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