Jerico Contemporary

Exhibition Catalogue | Jamie Preisz 'Soft Machine'

'Soft Machine' explores the notion of how we interact with and relate to objects, and in turn, how these interactions shape how we perceive ourselves the world around us. Preisz states, “We collect ephemera specific to a time and a place, and inevitably, they begin to fit together like unwieldy cogs, guiding our bodies and our stories, until they are eventually discarded”.

In this latest body of work, Preisz explores a new realm of metallic and chrome, creating luminous and unexpected still life representations of found objects. Some objects are kitsch, synonymous with popular culture and the stuffs of our everyday experiences— a chrome lucky cat; a smiling helium balloon; an abandoned piece of fruit. Where others reference Preisz’s modern take on vanitas painting (art showing the transience of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death)— a ram’s skull; glistening chrome balloons; blooming flowers.

The exhibition includes 11 paintings that reference 17th Century Dutch and Flemish still life painting, placing a focus on realistic imitations of light playing across surface and texture. Additionally, on display are 25 of the artist’s own palettes. Used while creating his work for 'Soft Machine', the paint-covered palettes act as physical reminders of Preisz’s artistic process, symbolic of the decisions, hours and skill invested in each piece.

Although 'Soft Machine' has moved away from the portrait style of the artist’s previous work, the paintings remain focused on the human experience and identity. Despite the absence of the human form, the objects speak to our lived experiences, creating alternative personal narratives. Emphasising specific material items in chrome and framing each canvas with a strip of Yves Klein blue, Preisz brings a pulsing, vivid light to the detritus that might otherwise pass us by.