Let's appreciate the work of the acclaimed Australian artist Jordy Kerwick, the resurrector of still life who is able to adapt it to the perspective of contemporary art by mixing flowers with cigarettes, portraying the balance of an everyday life.

It is true that predatory animals are becoming more and more prominent in his work, and this may clash with his idea of being inspired by home life.  However, it is not contradictory; what Kerwick is trying to do is to remind us that our primitive nature, from whence we came, is still with us. This reminder is recurrently manifested in the form of tigers, snakes or wolves' heads that fit harmoniously with vases, women's bodies and rainbows. The result is raw, punkish and explosive. The result is engaging.

What Kerwick is trying to do is to remind us that our primitive nature, from whence we came, is still with us

In this two-dimensional space, accentuated by Kerwick's flattening of perspective, different techniques are mixed and superimposed, from acrylic paint to oil paint, from spray paint to collage, offering an abundance of textures. The mixed technique evidences the compression of shapes and color, which bring innocence and sincerity to his creations. In fact, as the artist revealed to Hunted Projects “The subject matter (in my eyes) can be largely irrelevant, with more of a planned emphasis on how the colors work together and what kind of textures can be achieved.”

He classifies his work as very autobiographical and a true reflection of his feelings, environment and what he expects to encounter in the future. Plants and portraits are his tool to neutralise after exploring an emotionally exhausting subject. Painting flowers, cigarettes and the occasional illicit or prescribed drug follows the strategy of having something beautiful at the top and dragging its beauty down through the dirtier aspects of life (smoke and drugs). Life itself.

Plants and portraits are his tool to neutralise after exploring an emotionally exhausting subject