A couple of years ago,while i was busily browsing the online website community of artists, deviantart.com, i came up with a Man whose "mysterious" illusionist works struck me. I then noticed he was a Filipino like me, and coincidentally, he also thrives on the "surreal".
His name is Jon Jaylo,more commonly known as "enigma", by his peers and friends in the artworld.
it is interesting to note that this term is often the most used term in pinning down a person working the surreal vein, however, i couldnt help but nod in justification, because his works indeed are "enigmas"...
When I befriended Him, we talked alot about almost everything around the Sun...when I was given the Position to co-edit an International compedium of Contemporary surreal/Visionary/Fantastic Artists the world round, Jon was One of the few Filipinos that came to my mind...this resulted in the Publication of Imagine the imagination Book,Published in Poland in 2009,which i serve to write the Intro and co edited. Jon's Image made it there. His gracious and warm kindness is a good sign of our continuous correspondence.
His works,as i found out was included among the Beinart Surreal Collective,a community of Visionary/Surreal/fantastic Artists headed by Jon Beinart,and not surprisingly, Jon Jaylo was one of the 4 Pinoys who Made it(the other 3 were Bienvenido Banez,Luis Lorenzana, and yours respectfully).His Art was then sweeping the international scene. The enigma is being known in several group and collaborative shows in the continents of Europe,Asia, and America.
The plastic quality of his works easily reaches the subconscious, the world of dreams and visions, inviting us to enter his own world, filled with dislocated imagery that hints at all levels of our humanity. some have called his works whimsical, perhaps because of the humor contained in them, however, i couldnt help but say that these are not just the whims of a whimsical man,these are metanarrative manifestations of a cerebral Man.
Quoting from an obvious influence, Rene Magritte, “Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.” And this same quest for the enigma of reality and of existence seems to have been a similar if not accidentally identical notion,a quest, which Jaylo visually shares with us through his creations.
Oftentimes a viewer will be struck by a riddle, a question...and if they see and look at answers in Jaylo's works, they wont obviously easily find it...like Magritte they evoke mystery and indeed when one sees his pictures, one asks oneself this simple question 'What does that mean'? It does not mean anything, because mystery means nothing either, it is unknowable. Again we can repeat his aim: to give an enigma.
But Jaylo is not just a mere imitator of Magritte,he is far from it. His imagery is born out of personal experiences, his likes and dislikes,his dreams and visions. His obsession with vintage Victorian clothing perhaps is one misleading factor which a careless art Critic might say in pinning him as a Magritte imitator.As with most "literalist" critics, they would often be bound in the same staggered audience when explaining or criticizing Jaylo's work...It requires a deeper knowledge of things inorder to pierce to the man and his works...a lot of critics will just list him as a surrealist, when in fact that movement ceased to exist for over 80 years now,and the original members have disbanded,leaving only few members who still live today...There is a saying that goes,If you want to know the Art, you have to also know the Man who created the ART...and what better way of doing it than by an Interview...
so without further ADOS, i give you the unedited Interview which i did to Jon Jaylo, and I hope it sheds some light to us, decoding if not all,but the tip of the iceberg of his ENIGMA...
1.Can you Tell us something about yourself, your background and how you began to recognize your talents.
Drawing has been my early passion, and I began around 4 to 5 years old. I was deeply fascinated by Marvel and DC cartoon shows. It was quite an enigma during my time, since it a very different type of art. They were animated...and the idea of them moving and talking stirred my interest and curiosity. I would remember watching these shows over and over until I get to memorize their contours, and I would start drawing them on paper. I would even go as far as sketching heroes and pasting them on a cardboard so I can cut it and make simple toys out of it. That was the time I realized that I had different talent from my friends. A diverse way of viewing the world perhaps.
1a. which Artist influence you?
Leonardo,Salvador Dali,Rene Magritte,Paul Delvaux,Juan Luna and Jose Rizal--for me their works remain an unexplained mystery to me...a magic of some sort, I believe. The sparks of inspiration they left plays an important role in most of my paintings. They are more than artists of their time...i consider them my personal heroes.
2.When did you first become interested in painting?
Back in grade school, I would join art competitions. I went into an exploration of mediums at an early age, and I was very curious at how tones, shades and light work and
countless concepts that come up in my head.
3.Where did you draw inspiration in creating your ART?
Inspirations can be found everywhere, most of them are personal experiences, while some stories came from the people around me...these works are a collective autobiography of my family, friends, religion, society, and of course, me. I have always wanted to mix vintage images with modern ideas, it has always been a beautiful contrast for me. On top of it, I make sure that there is always a lesson behind it, and a puzzle to be solved. Because my works are beyond techniques and skills. I want my audience not just to appreciate the paintings but also to interact with them. it’s like when they look at my paintings they get inside a maze and find their way out. It’s always a cerebral activity. I knew that I had to connect with the viewer intellectually.
4.Looking deeply in your Art, can you tell us what is it you wish to impart or share with the viewers(although of course this is reserved for the audience/viewer,it would be a delight to see/know what you wish to impart with your art)? The meaning/message(for you) of your works?.
For each painting there is a different story to tell, overall Id like to share hope and in the end inspire people through my paintings.
5.One can help but notice the veristic/illusionist quality of your works in the manner of the magic realists like Magritte, Delvaux,et. al., what can you say about critics pinning you down to these names?
I cant blame them, its their job. Critics will always be on the lookout. A tragedy is always an interesting story right? Truth is, I wont deny the fact that influences from my favorite artists are very evident within my works. But seriously, does a bowlers hat instantly connect me to Magritte? Paul delvaux uses it too in some of his paintings...it just so happened that I have this strange fascination of making my models wear old clothes...mostly taken from a past time line.
At the end of the day there's a fine line between inspiration and imitation...as an artist with dignity we should know where we stand.
6.)How long does it take for you to finish a work, say a 3x4 feet oil on canvas?
It would depend on how busy I am, since I am not a full-time artist. Apart from my work, I find the strength to balance and juggle my activities since I am a father of two boys, and also taking over the family business. But on a ball park estimate, it would take me at least one month at the most.
7.)Do you use Photoshop or Project images of a photomanipulation in creating your work?What do you think about artist using this procedure, do you think it delimits the imaginative skills,in say, the technical part of imaginative creation?
Well, we are living in a postmodern era. Thanks to technology, there are lots of modern techniques that could help the artist in creating is art. I’m not exactly an old-fashioned artist nor a purist…I welcome new ideas. after all, it’s undeniably part of the evolution process. but as of the moment Im happy with my procedures, I start with a good concept, then photograph my models,then I proceed to sketching and painting afterwards.I guess I'm ok that I can sketch on my own & paint the subject slowly, gradually. It’s what I have been doing as a kid and I guess that’s the happy part of it.
8.)Which of your works could you consider a masterpiece and why?
Hmm…that’s a tough one. To tell you honestly, I really don’t know…of course, whenever I’m on the works for my new piece, I always give my best.I do have a favorite piece and its called "If It Makes You Feel Righteous and Better" It is something very personal,the harsh face of reality,of competition,when everybody wants to be on top.. a story that could happen to anyone.:-)
9.)What can you say about the current sate of the ARTS, particularly the surreal/fantastic/visionary genre, and how your art relates or communes with this?
Surrealism plays a huge role in all of my works.Its always evolving...mindboggling...moving...I keep learning from it everyday.I hope someday in my own little way that Id be able to contribute something also in this genre.
10. what can you say about the current state of ARt in the Philippines, those outside the surreal/visionary/fantastic circles?Philippines is doing good...
I am very happy with the evolution of Philippine art, how it’s going out and finally giving us the recognitions we deserve. Filipino artists are very abundant with ideas and are blessed with their very competitive nature. I think society contributes a lot also in our concept and ideas...our country is quite full of hardships and trials. I am also welcome to the different orientations and discipline of artists..be it traditional, abstract or contemporary...as long as they're fulfilled with what they’re doing then by all means that’s fine with me also. Overall I feel so positive with the current state of art in the Philippines. I can’t wait to see what’s next for everyone…its very exciting.
11. Do you think you are confident with the current state of your works? I mean is there more to learn for a master such as yourself?
Life is a continual process of learning. I’m quite sure that I would never stop , and the moment that I’d do is when I’m dead. This is what makes art so magical....theres always new things to learn..new stories to tell..new techniques and mediums to try......:-)
12.What can you advise aspiring artists with regards to creating ART?
Always keep a box full of plans...plan A, plan B, plan C....If things dont work out at first try, keep burning your brush. be patient,go to the next plan. Be observant, try new things and keep working hard. And most importantly, be passionate with what you are doing. Also, if you are ready to accept success, do keep in mind that failure is also and always a possibility. So, since it is inevitable, all we can do is face it, and learn from it.
13.Which contemporary artist/s do you admire and why?
There so many artist that I admire.. Natalie Shau, Heather Nevay, Carrie Ann Baade, Pamela Wilson,Andres Barrioquinto,Yue Minjun, Mark Justiniani, Marcel Antonio, Kris Kuksi's sculptures,Jon Beinart,Pete Seymour,Yu Sagawara,Jason Limon,Jeremy Geddess,Tetsuya Ishida and Graydon Parrish....
I am strongly inspired by their individuality and uniqueness, and also because they never stopped believing.
14. Any last commentary?
..chase your dreams and know your purpose.
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Excerpt from Jon jaylo's solo show at Strychnin Gallery Berlin:
Jon Jaylo‘s recent appearance in the scene is more of a psychological labyrinth than a display of paintings. With each image is a part of a special key that leads to an unknown door of illusions, a place where dreams are real, a place where shrouds and masks dance freely like thoughts inside the mind…a place we call enigma. It’s a cerebral act in where the guests are meant to interpret and decode a series of puzzles that eventually leads to an understanding of the artist’s innerthinking’s and the intricately designed clockwork of dreaming. Each of the pieces are designed to leave out a clue, perhaps breaking down Jaylo’s subconscious into small fragments of visual progression, whispering a certain echo of the artist’s soul to its viewers. However, the soft sound it breathes is very vague and sometimes deceiving, as a single idea could take on a multitude of forms, like a shapeless virus infecting an already concrete concept, giving out an infinity of questions to the single answer that it brings.
This is very intentional according to the artist, because he wants his audience to think. He wants them to break free outside of their own private boxes and engage themselves deeper inside the disintegrating abyss contained inside his works. He wants the paintings to cause a certain condition of unconscious euphoria, taking its viewers afloat from the grounds of logic and reality. Because only in this heightened sense of apprehension can one understand the true nature of his works. It’s more of a challenge to his visual spectators, forcing them to take effort in acquiring the answers rather than the usual process of spoon feeding the bits and pieces. Because the true reward of accomplished knowledge rests on the struggle that we have undergone in order to achieve it. And because the artist is very elusive in nature, this exhibition might actually be the only way to absolutely find out how the inner workings of his mind actually run.
Jaylo’s mirage of riddles are composed of things borrowed from his own memories and dreams–love, inner conflict, religion, death and life are but a few to name. Everything is under the mercy of equilibrium, a rather perfected balance between darkness and light; chaos and harmony. Everything, if viewed as the artist would want it should make sense at the right time and lead to an answer that infinitely leads to a lot more, like two framed mirrors facing each other.
But is this exhibition really enough to unlock the enigma of Jon Jaylo?
Strychnin Gallery, Boxhagenerstrasse 36 – D-10245 Berlin
