paintings by Jason Byers
Opening Reception: Saturday April 17th, 7 - 10pm
Show runs April 17th - May 15th
All things being equal, nothing is the same. If differences between objects can be defined by their proximity to that of one another within a set of overarching circumstances, then within a field of relative sameness, the manner and degree of difference becomes amplified at the margins. This in turn emphasizes the margin as a line of demarcation that defines each object as being in and of itself and not of another, an encapsulated sphere of information that in turn requires disparities of sameness with other spheres in order to draw definition. And in between these lines lie the gaps that signify the point of terminus between objects, those minute spaces of mammoth proportion that press upon their surroundings and hold them at bay, coupling their every move in tandem affirmation. For without these lines of demarcation and their constant negotiation with the ether of space around them, there would be nothing to discern from one another, no bodies and no things unto themselves, nothing to hold and no means by which to hold them. There would be no hard edge of ancient stone upon which to erect temples and no fingertips to rub against their cold indifference.
In his most recent paintings, Oakland based artist Jason Byers delves head long into an investigation of difference utilizing an acute vocabulary of color and form. His work explores the interaction of shapes and their lines of demarcation, those minute spaces of mammoth proportion that press upon their surroundings, hold them at bay and delineate the extent of their reach.
Jason Byers was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After completing his undergraduate work at California State University, Northridge, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area to pursue an MFA from the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1999. His work has shown at Fleetwing Gallery, Linc Art, Newspace, Southern Exposure, the Lab, Lucky Tackle, the Oakland Art Gallery and 21 Grand among others and is featured in many private collections. Among his awards are the Margaret Hahn Simpson Fellowship and the Berkeley Art Museum Council Founders/Margaret Calder Hayes Prize. He currently lives and works in Oakland and was the Co-Director of Blankspace, an artist run contemporary art gallery in Oakland.
www.jasonbyers.net