Meet Jai: The Artist Behind the Collage

“No one can possibly know what is about to happen; it is happening each time, for the first time, for the only time.” – James Baldwin

Baldwin’s quote chronicles my experience in the Arts. As an artist who has traversed the diverse terrains of canvas and wood, explored the tactile richness of acrylic and the unexpected fusion of coffee grounds with encaustic wax. I could not have imagined it would have turned out so beautiful. My practice has undergone an organic evolution again, that’s led me  to the vibrant realm of collage. This medium, though seemingly disparate from my prior endeavors, resonates deeply with my artistic journey, inviting an exploration of juxtaposed harmony. 

The transition to collage was immediate. Creating for an empty college apartment in New York with limited time, my 4-5 pieces garnered rave reviews from all that visited. Allowing me to delve into the intricate dance between chaos and order. My work is meticulously constructed with fragmented paper (newspaper, magazines, rice, tissue, handmade paper, and photos). Each bit, cut or torn with purpose to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. This reimagining and rebirth of materials speak to the essence of my artistic vision; one of vibrancy, harmony and creativity. With a controlled sense of movement and symmetry, my work ebs and flows with color and contrast. Though much of my art is abstract, my creativity range is wide. 

My inspiration is rooted in resonant echoes of Romare Bearden, the storied quilts of Faith Ringgold, the challenged notions of beauty by Hannah Hoch and the jeweled brilliance of Michalene Thomas. These artists challenged conventional boundaries and inspire me to transcend my own limitations every time, nudging me to explore the unfettered potential of paper.

Through my art I seek to rise above the mundane, to render the unseen as seen; to showcase my ongoing exploration with paper, that is always new, every time—a testament to the power of transformation and creating without restraint. This is my artistic odyssey—through collage I speak, I dream, I create.