SG MAG DEC 2018 MAIN_4
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Nino barrette is an art dealer, critic and lecturer<br />
with over 20 years of experience curating<br />
international exhibits and museum collections.<br />
The art of Jack Armstrong is fascinating to many and the question commonly asked of all pure abstract<br />
expressionist painters is “what makes this special?”<br />
Well of course, the response to that question is complicated and different for everyone as art is subjective so<br />
there is no right or wrong answer when interpreting the artists’ work.<br />
Jack Armstrong’s “Cosmic Extensionalism” is a new step forward in the evolution of art forms and it is often<br />
compared to the style that many associate with Jackson Pollock or his peers of the day. Is that a fair<br />
comparison?<br />
In my opinion, the two artists share a commonality in that they both are very deliberate in their technique<br />
with nothing random or accidental occurring in their paintings. Furthermore, the works have a rhythmic dance<br />
of intertwining paint and they share an audacity and boldness to break new ground separating themselves<br />
from the masses. Accepting those similarities, one next has to recognize the significant differences between<br />
the artists’ works to gain an understanding and appreciation of the unique art style that Jack Armstrong has<br />
created.<br />
Jacks “Cosmic Art” is driven by a mystical force that emanated from the “Black Sapphire of Queensland.” That<br />
force compelled him to create a very specific number of paintings in a very specific manner. Each of the 100<br />
works is deliberately constructed with the lines, figures and movements creating the appearance of an<br />
accidental, non-compositional technique. The mysterious messages and words found in the lines of the<br />
painting are purposefully and strategically placed to deliver the cosmic energy within the painting to the<br />
viewer.<br />
The few owners of Jack’s “Cosmic Art” have a common experience in that they all mention an indescribable<br />
energy that seemingly vibrates from the paintings as they get near for viewings. This energy washes over them<br />
and creates a feeling of rejuvenation and vibrancy.<br />
With Pollack, it was likely a motivation to create artwork that separated him from the traditional style of the<br />
day and to that end he created his signature “drip and splash” or “action painting” technique, which was very<br />
avant-garde and revolutionized what was considered “fine art”.<br />
Regardless of opinion on what is and what is not “art”, Jack Armstrong is an exceptionally talented artist that<br />
has developed a unique body of work that is extremely finite and cannot be repeated or duplicated. The fact<br />
that collectors, investors, other artists and critics value the works in the millions speaks volumes to the<br />
current value and future speculative value of the artwork. All past fame and accolades aside, Jack’s art speaks<br />
for itself and much like it’s brash creator… it speaks very loudly to those that can hear its message.<br />
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