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trength manifests itself in many ways, and for
the keen of eye, it can be observed in often the
most subtle manner. A spark in someone’s eye or a
resilience palpable in the soul yet ostensibly unseen
on the surface, the idea of strength goes far beyond
its typical associations—that of robust physical
build or a hardiness in attitude. New York-based
artist J. Louis captures this through his figurative
expressionist works of the female form. Though the
figures are rendered soft and delicate, one thing is
abundantly certain: these women, in their repose,
exude self-assuredness, whether through their
unflinching gaze or the comfort they seem to hold
in their own bodies.
“I want people to be hit by the incredible women
in my life. I want people to see that women are
strong in these dreamy states, that they aren’t
helpless in any way,” says Louis. He cites his
mother and wife among his greatest inspirations.
“Throughout my life I’ve been inspired by these
strong feminine figures who’ve supported me...
One of the reasons I paint women is to understand
them,” he says. “Since meeting [my wife], traveling
the world, just being together, I’ve been hit with
how she handles life...She is really empathetic and
I appreciate that about her.”
Weightless In A Heavy Space depicts a woman
lying on the floor with her legs up against the wall
on the right side of the composition, her dark hair
flowing like waves out of frame on the left. This is
the only painting of Louis’ wife in the exhibition.
“Those are always very special to me,” the artist says.
He doesn’t take on the task often, however, finding
it difficult to “capture her essence perfectly. I’d never
finish a show if they were all of her,” he says.
Louis’ paintings blend various artistic styles, and
while the artist says he used to be concerned with
defining himself and his style, nowadays, he’d like
to do just the opposite, allowing intuition and
creative freedom to take over. The backgrounds
of his artwork channel expressionist vibes with
textured surfaces and clearly defined brushstrokes,
utilizing multiple layers of paint and scraping them
away until the desired aesthetic is achieved.
A new body of work completed within the last
year was highlighted at Arcadia Contemporary in
Pasadena, California, June 22 through July 13. The
idea for the show, titled Color Fields, Louis says, is
to create this “very dreamy space,” perhaps waking
viewers up to a concept less often pondered—that
qualities like softness and tenderness do not equal
weakness. “I’m trying to get that feeling in my
work—of amazement and empowerment—that
there’s something really special and there’s always
something new to uncover about [a person].”
He says that he hopes the show creates a misty,
J. Louis blends artistic styles in his textural figurative paintings
that have a strong focus on technique and subject matter
BY ALYSSA M. TIDWELL
1 The artist works on One Million Bright Ideas. 2 Roller Coaster, oil on linen cradled panel, 64 x 50" (162½ x 127 cm)21