Calling the Ancestors, work on paper, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
“candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery,
Written and Photographed by Laura Storck
Like witnessing the vibrant and dreamy panorama that cloaked the room, meeting visionary artist Jombi Supastar was a truly surrealistic experience. As I entered the Jed Williams Gallery, Jombi proffered a warm welcome as if it was the reunion of old friends. Much appreciative of his candor and hospitality, he instantly instilled a feeling of peace and reverence. Jombi’s whimsical works are also evocative of that experience, as they magically transport you to another place, time, and dimension.
Flowering Aquatic Sparkle, mixed media on canvas, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
Jombi Supastar‘s pieces are a multi-faceted assemblage of paint, collage, and mixed media, in which each piece consist of a storied narrative left for the viewer to interpret. His works are thematic, consisting of many common elements and patterns: human and animal hieroglyphical forms, as well as bold colors and fluid shapes – all adorned with glitter, jewels, and found objects and sealed with layers of shiny epoxy.
Dreaming, mixed media with objects, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
The pieces contain these eye-catching tactile elements in order to engage the viewer and offer a sense of child-like and free-spirited simplicity. One recurrent element throughout his work is a singular eye, which lends the overarching feelings of spirituality, calamity, redemption, and fortune. Jombi admits that he is drawn toward the use of red and orange, which elicit sensations of passion, fire, spirituality, and lust.
Dream Time Down Under #2, work on paper, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
Various artistic sources of inspiration range from the historical, such as Hieronymus Bosch, William Blake, and Henri Matisse, to the contemporary, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Kara Walker.
Dream Time Down Under #1, work on paper with collage, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
ARTIST STATEMENT
“My art is an expression of the multi-dimensionality of perception, and of the many-layered nature of my spirituality and sexuality. I’ve been painting for two decades now quite simply because I love to paint. I feel the most grounded and joyful when creating works of art. In that sense, my art is good for me. I like to think it can be good for others as well. I want to bring a sense of magic and a touch of humor to this sometimes troubling world―beauty, too. I like bold images and vivid colors. Often now my works begin as paintings but turn into mixed medium pieces because I want to make the work as layered and spectacular as it can be. I can like just-paint paintings, but see no reason to limit myself to paint alone. I take a child’s delight in glittery, shiny objects. They excite me. I want my work to communicate that sense of excitement, and to create excitement of its own.” – Jombi Supastar
Don’t Eat Me, mixed media on board, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
Creative Thinking, mixed media on canvas, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
ABOUT JED WILLIAMS GALLERY
Jed Williams Gallery is a unique art space owned and operated since 2010 by artist Jed Williams. Jed showcases up-and-coming and inspiring artists from the local area, including his own work, along with providing a look into the workings of an actual artist studio. The gallery shows a variety of thoughtful, cutting edge works ranging from 2D, mixed media and painting, to video, installation and sculpture.
Calling the Ancestors, mixed media on wood, “candy flippin”, Jombi Supastar, Jed Williams Gallery
Jombi Supastar, 4518 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19143, 267-226-2324
email: JombiSupastar@yahoo.com
Jed Williams Gallery, 615 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-2111, 267-970-5509
www.jedwilliamsgallery.com
Like Jed Williams Gallery on facebook email: info@jedwilliamsgallery.com
Written and Photographed by Laura Storck
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Boss, pastel, Tyreese Tunnell, Frankford High School, Grade 12, winner Judges Choice Philadelphia Sketch Club High School Art Show 2014
