Jean-Marc Calvet at Monkdogz Urban Art
New York City - I once heard a man say that he tries not to spend too much time contemplating himself or the world at large. He claimed that the inside of his head was like wandering around a bad neighborhood late at night. Unlike many artists who worry about being influenced or corrupted by pre-existing works or ideas, Calvet would be the first to admit he has been completely corrupted by many things; corrupted to the point of self destruction and malevolent violence.
Jean-Marc Calvet arrives in New York City with a Pandora’s Box of man made monsters and the grace of redemption. A combination destined to produce an explosive visual arts experience. His new exhibition : "The Darker Side of Midnight"
Calvet is a self taught painter whose evolution has generated the development of a powerful documentary film project, which is sure to propel him into the bright lights of world recognition and respect. Ed McCormack Editor in Chief of Gallery & Studio arts magazine said it best in his recent article of Calvet’s work: "There is a very real danger for an artist as brilliant as Calvet in having too colorful a back-story. It is too easy for the legend to flourish at the expense of the art. (Just think how many people know nothing about van Gogh except that he cut off his ear.)
That Calvet happens to be self-taught only complicates matters. It could too easily get him relegated to the gilded ghetto of so-called "outsider art" and deprived of his rightful place in the mainstream art world, where he most definitely belongs, given the innate sophistication of his vision and the accomplished technique with which he makes it manifest on canvas."
Jean-Marc’s work at first glance seems bright, cheerful and industrious with large energetic motifs filled in with smaller details. Then as you get closer, the full extent of the powerful nightmare that he has fought comes to light. He shares his joys, fears, recovery and deepest despairs with you in an intimate embrace. Although the dark images are fierce, there is no self pity. Just an acceptance of what was and what it has made him today. The overall impression that you are left with is that today, life is good and the future is an adventure waiting to happen.
"The Darker Side of Midnight" opens on Thursday, May 8th between 5-8pm and shows until June 7th 2008. Monkdogz Urban Art is open Tuesdays - Saturdays 11-6 pm and also by appointment.
Visit Monkdogz Urban Art - 547 West 27 Street - Fifth floor - NYC - (212) 216-0030 - Web : www.monkdogz.com/