Over The Influence (OTI) recently opened its third art gallery near Odeon Circle (the Chinese Gate Circle) in Bangkok's Chinatown as a gateway into Southeast Asia's art community, with contemporary American artist Todd James' first solo show "Clean Jellybean". This inaugural exhibition is currently on view until Jan 10.
The new series of acrylic paintings were created in the artist's New York City studio during a terribly gloomy time when he had to stay at home with his wife and cats. As an introverted, quiet person, James usually uses street art to mirror his intense emotions and personal views as well as communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. Apparently, his "Clean Jellybean" artworks have a strong concept of his mixed feelings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This latest collection emerges from his signature, visual language into new, vivid compositions with smooth, clear, sugar-coated surfaces. Still, it features his supergraphics and key motifs rendered in vibrant, saturated palettes such as geopolitical scenes and candid portraits of lascivious women.
With the architecture and layout of the new exhibition space in mind, James' surrealist artworks are displayed throughout the five-storey gallery. Each space is distinguished by different themes, thereby leading visitors to observe James' evolution and unique vision.
His six brilliantly cartoonist paintings on the gallery's first floor have a dynamic combination of red missiles, naked-blood ladies as well as cartoon tanks, ships and aeroplanes in different shades of blue. This set elaborates on the lively, upbeat mood during the current global conflict. Another series in the second space focuses on surreal interiors painted in lush, vibrant colours. This palette enlivens old subjects such as his kitchen furniture, posters and pets in an entirely fresh way. Additionally, James always adds cats as his silent witnesses in the picture because he loves them.
Meanwhile, the third set encompasses snipers carrying rifles with James' sinister twist. Like his first one, it still plays on the same idea of infinite war and military violence, which evokes feelings of aggression and anger. However, the last series of paintings limns James' love letters to his dear wife. In each picture, silhouetted figures of his lover in a warm colour palette depict the notions of affection, sexiness and femininity. Seemingly, the "Clean Jellybean" collection highlights the artist's emotional expression through his palette of bright, bold colours.
Apart from this gallery's showcase for abstract surrealism paintings, its fifth floor is a rooftop where visitors can enjoy live music as well as the scenery of the capital city's iconic landmark. It is filled with museums, artisanal shops and temples in Chinese architectural style.
Camilla Russell, OTI's director, claimed that the gallery's owner selected Bangkok's historic Samphanthawong District for the gallery as this location signifies Thailand's local culture and "Singapore is too clear. Myanmar has political issues but Thailand is international and Bangkok has a contemporary art community".
She also clarified why this art gallery is titled "Over The Influence", pointing out that it is "not under the influence" and that it makes "art to influence people", not just let the audience appreciate the artists' artworks but to follow their styles. This highlights the paradigm shift in Southeast Asia to develop professional resources and promises a new leading role for OTI as a contemporary art gallery in raising global awareness of Thailand's rich artistic identity and contemporary culture.
After Los Angeles and Bangkok, France is OTI's fourth international location. This Hong-Kong based gallery is ready to promote its contemporary art in the European world.
"Clean Jellybean" is now on view at Over The Influence (OTI) gallery on Tri Mit Road until Jan 10.
