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In "hot and cold," Jeffers uses color as
well as varied groups of similar objects as emphasis.
Both pieces use the contrasting element of warm and
cool colors, but the message between the two works seems
very different. "car bomb" displays unrest
in the diagonal movement of the flames and the person
in the forefront. There is also the contrast of line
and shadow, which stops the viewer's eye and helps to
pull attention back to the figure (did you notice the
shadows?). In the second piece, the objects appear to
be dancing in a vertical line, with no ground to pull
them down. They're huddled closely, and one could even
imagine the two on the right being objects of attention
to the crowd on the left. The contrast of colors and
numbers pull the viewer's eye back and forth to take
it all in.
Picasso once stated that to analyze an artist's work
is a foolish practice. In Oliver's case, I almost feel
this is certain. If I hadn't learned a bit about Oliver
in our correspondence, I might see "double fisch"
at left simply as a piece utlizing various elements
of contrast at work. There are cool and warm colors
and the contrast in the roundness of both "fisch"
against the rectangular box placed on or within the
large "fisch." There's also contrast of size
between the two "fisch." The simplicity of
this piece is deceiving. Is this work a lighthearted
practice, or does it has a deeper meaning? If we didn't
know the artist, would we grasp the meaning of this
piece?
Perhaps the work at right will help reveal some clues
to this mystery. Oliver lives part of his life a country
often involved in political and emotional strife; he
lives part of his life in Australia, where he experiences
an environment that is perhaps more playful. In "lighthouse,"
Jeffers uses the simplicity of primary colors and the
contrast of light and dark to convey his messages.
But are his messages really this simple? Is it just
a snapshot view of his world or is he trying to tell
us something with his use of objects? Isn't the lighthouse
a symbol used to warn ships of danger? Isn't the small
fish within the larger fish a symbol of survival?
The use of symbolism can be a subtle or blatant tool
in the hands of an artist. When utilized within the
framework of the obvious use of color, size and value,
the artist can talk to us without words.
Now that we're seeing the subtleties in Oliver's work,
let's view "eight ball." Warm and cool colors
play out here again - notice how the larger area of
reds are broken by the blues. The square frames within
the larger square format are relieved by the contrasting
roundness of the balls. Striped balls are contrasted
by solids. The balls are at rest, but we might hear
the 'crack' of the cue against any one of these balls
at any second. The emphasis on the 'eight' might lead
us to believe the next player to shoot is in real trouble
with this game. For some of us, this could be humorous;
for others, it could bring on bitter memories. This
message is reliant on our interpretation of the term
"eight ball."
On a different note (and in high contrast) is Oliver's
work in his series "Do You Like Coffee?" The
idea for this project? In his words:
"...Well let’s just say it involved a freshly
brewed Java and a passport application form! Coffee
rings can be irritating, but with this exhibition I
want to transform the irritation of a misplaced coffee
into a form of lighthearted entertainment."
Once again - contrast. The ring from the coffee cup
as moon is in high contrast to the rectangular frame
of the window. The use of black and white with a touch
of coffee is also in high contrast with Oliver's usual
stark use of color.
Oliver tells me he has new work. I haven't seen any
of it yet, but I can almost guess that it will be in
contrast. To what? We'll soon find out, I'm sure.
NOTE: Oliver chooses to use lower-case letters to title
his works. This in contrast to the "rules"
of the English language.
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"Oliver Jeffers is a 22 year old Artist and writer
in proud possession of a pair of blue and white striped
shoes. Born in Port Hedland, Western Australia and raised
in Belfast, Northern Ireland - Oliver is accustomed
to contrasts. Like most children, Oliver grew up with
the dream of one day becoming a fisherman, but when
he realized that this didn't involve a helmet and flying
to the moon, he quickly changed his mind. Oliver learned
to paint instead. He hopes that people the world over
will be receptive of his art, his small ears and his
blue and white striped shoes." You can find Oliver
at http://www.oliverjeffers.com (this will open a new
window).
Use of Oliver Jeffers' artwork and words granted with
written permission by the artist. 4/8/01.
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