571 Projects is pleased to announce an exhibition of new paintings by Jimmie James. This is James' first show with the gallery. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, November 4, 6-9pm.
Jimmie James' paintings ring true: they offer deep emotional honesty. His abstract canvasses balance layered fields of color with automatic drawing. They are at once delicate and gritty, ethereal and yet anchored in the present. Inspired by his native New York, James' work references specific moments, his line resolving into small scenarios defined by brief, eloquent gestures. Exuberant splashes of color introduce a playful element, frequently underlined by titles that read like clips of dialogue excerpted from a novel. As choreographer Ann Carlson puts it, "Jimmie James' works respond in equal parts to life on New York City streets as well as to the journey of the human heart." While James is more often known for his paintings on paper, 571 Projects is excited to present a new collection of paintings on canvas, varying in size from a series of abstract 24 x 18 inch paintings to the immersive, joyfully gestural the celebration, (2010, acrylic on canvas, 56 x 48 inches).
Trained as an architect, James' work has long been collected outside of the gallery system. His paintings have been exhibited across the United States at the Andrea Schwartz Gallery, San Francisco, Thomas Werner Gallery, New York City, and Boltax Gallery, Shelter Island, to name a few. He has completed numerous commissions for private collectors and organizations as diverse as the New York University School of Law, Westin Hotels, and Gensler. In addition, his paintings have been selected by Verve Records for numerous CD covers. His collectors run the gamut from private individuals to Raphael Vinoly (architect), Simon Baker (actor), Lyle Ashton Harris (artist), Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver) and Rob Thomas (lead singer, Matchbox Twenty). Brooklyn-born, James currently lives and works in New York City. He is also a talented singer/songwriter and actor.
Jimmie James: New Paintings will be on view November 4 through December 11, 2010 at 571 Projects, 551 West 21st Street, Unit 204A, New York City, 10011. 571 Projects is open Tuesday - Saturday, 12 - 6pm, and by appointment.
