Location: United Kingdom
Educated: Niveau Brevet. Studied: College Jean Jaures. Mainly "autodidact".
Exhibits: England & Continental Europe.
Biography listed in "Who's Who In Art"
POETIC VISION - The Work Of Jean Lagadec
Raised and educated in Paris, Jean Lagadec’s artistic interest was nurtured in the 50’s, amongst the art and jazz communities on the Left Bank. His work is now recognised & selling internationally.
Lagadec admits to an interest in the duality between the mundane and the supramundane. His modern creations, mainly based on classical mythological beings express a transcendental vision of abstracted beauty. The viewer must decipher abstract forms which, once the simple lines & hint of shadows are combined, crystallise into clearly defined images. He refuses to adhere to conventional methods of creating perspective but instead developed his own “entailles” (cuts into paper or canvas) technique.
Alongside his modern, minimalist pieces, Lagadec has recently started working with charcoal/graphite & Venetian red/sanguine which, he says, was inspired by his new wife. In these more classical pieces, Lagadec still seeks to portray an abstract beauty, but in a more tangible, earthly form.
Lagadec supports the Eastern concept that a work of art is finished only when you cannot take anything more out.
It is said that Barn Owls once flourished in the temples of ancient Egypt where they were believed to guide spirits from one world to the next.
In Feng Shui, owls are considered auspicious and are often associated with wisdom, protection and the ability to see the unseen.
In Hinduism, owls are symbolic of wisdom, good luck and prosperity and the (white) Barn Owl, in particular, is said to be the ‘vahana’ (vehicle) associated with Goddess Lakshmi. The (white) Barn Owl is also mentioned in connection with Alakshmi (Lakshmi’s older sister) although, in that form, it is believed to serve as a reminder of the arrogance that can sometimes accompany excessive good luck and wealth.
However, regardless of all the fascinating associations, worldwide, Jean assures us that his striking, minimalist owl will make a positive impact, wherever in the world it hangs.
The work dimensions are as follows:
Framed: 52.5cm wide x 72.5cm high x 3.5cm deep
Mounted (unframed): 50cm x 70cm
Unmounted & unframed: 48cm x 59cm (paper size)
Gold leaf circle: 9cm diameter
Owl (wing tip to wing tip): 47cm
Melancholy and yearning are beautifully depicted here in this emotionally charged minimalist figure, inspired by Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Mariana'.
She only said, "My life is dreary,
He cometh not," she said;
She said, "I am aweary, aweary,
I would that I were dead!".
Yet, despite the sad theme, the overall impression of this mixed media work, is one of serenity and beauty. Wisdom gained through loss. Hope battling despair.
(The size shown is for the work, mounted and framed).
Exquisitely delicate minimalist depiction of a mermaid, presented mounted and framed.
The artist tells us that the entailles in this work were the most complex he's attempted to date, "The body to tail line was particularly challenging; it had to be done in one sweep, without a break. I held my breath all the way, as though underwater myself...". As you will see from the images, the result is stunning.
Size 73cm x 53cm x 4cm. (The size shown is for the work, framed).
This beautiful, minimalist, work entitled, 'Aphrodite Rising', depicts Aphrodite rising out of the sea foam.
53cm x 73cm x 4cm (NB: The size shown is for the work, mounted and framed).
“Flight of the Barn Owl”
“Mariana 2”
“Sirène 3”
“Aphrodite Rising”
