Building on his previous works, American artist Jonathan Viner explores elements of counterculture through a 1970s lens in his new collection of paintings at Dorothy Circus Gallery London. A year in the making, ‘Lives of Leisure’ delves into numerous elements of humanity, ultimately allowing us to reflect on concepts of identity against the backdrop of this fascinating period in time. The journey is one full of insights; in his usual style, Jonathan avoids imprinting specific narratives onto the viewer while still leaving plenty to ponder. The subconscious has played a significant role in his process, and we are taken through a series which resembles cinematic shots more than traditional paintings. These refreshing compositions, combined with his elaborate intertwining of multiple emotions, narratives and symbolism, ensure that ‘Lives of Leisure’ gives plenty of food for thought.
"The painting has to lead the way. I usually don’t have an articulate idea to paint. I start piecing together the various elements I’d like to paint and then set about trying to make it work as a cohesive scene. The subconscious plays a significant role in my process. I want to figure out what the painting is (or will be) about. Humans are hardwired to figure out what’s going on.
The ambiguity is intentional. There’s value to not knowing. It motivates me to wake up every day and want to paint, the way it makes a reader of a book want to keep reading, and it allows the viewer’s own associations to play a role in what the painting means."
