Oliver Lee Jackson’s recent paintings in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC is a must-see exhibit, featuring drawings and paintings focused on the human figure. Jackson’s abstract approach to the human form is striking. His works are powerful and visually pleasing. Jackson’s work combines Western art from the time of the Renaissance to the present with African principals. While his work is still abstract, images of the human figure are clearly apparent in his work.
One work in particular struck me while I walked through the space. In the first room, a large triptych covered a wall. This piece, simply titled Triptych, was created and completed in 2015. It is comprised of applied felt, chalk, alkyd paint and mixed media on wood panel. The piece is made up of abstract forms of the face and body, reminiscent of forms found in African art. Black felt figures are layered overtop figures of vibrant blue, orange, pink and green. This piece stuck out to me from the rest not only for its large size, but also for the striking contrast of the figures against the colorful shapes of the background. Another thing stood out to me about Oliver Lee Jackson himself. When talking about his art, he stated that it stands separate from him. He creates each piece not as a reflection of himself, but as something to stand alone and speak for itself. This triptych does that.
The abstract forms of women dancing, cut from black felt against the colorful forms in the background, presents a narrative of race. Some black felt figures contrast against the colors, but some was used to outline figures, creating a colored figure from the negative space outlined by the black. To me, this shows diversity of human forms, and the coming together of people of different color. This piece is so striking because it brings those different forms of the human figure together so intimately by simply using opposing cuts of felt. The woman figures are dancing and interacting with each other so closely and intimately that I can’t help but get a sense of unity within the work, visually and emotionally. This piece is by far the most compelling in Jackson’s recent works.
Oliver Lee Jackson’s recent paintings holds an important narrative of human form not only in the abstract expressionist movement, but also in a social context. Jackson’s works present a whole new form of abstract expressionism, considering his artworks are indeed abstract, but the figures are still clearly visible and understandable. In a social context, his works speak for themselves. Jackson’s intent behind the work is so simple and his execution is masterful. Each piece holds its own individual meaning and purpose, but the best part about it is that the viewer is the one who gets to decide the meaning for themselves. Jackson’s simplistic approach to creating art gives the viewer the freedom to come up with whatever conclusion they wish, which makes viewing his art all the more profound.