SG MAG APRIL 2019 MAIN_2

Nino barre e is an art dealer, cri c and lecturer
with over 20 years of experience cura ng
interna onal exhibits and museum collec ons.
The art of Jack Armstrong is fascina ng to many and the ques on commonly asked of all pure abstract
expressionist painters is “what makes this special?”
Well of course, the response to that ques on is complicated and di erent for everyone as art is subjec ve so
there is no right or wrong answer when interpre ng the ar sts’ work.
Jack Armstrong’s “Cosmic Extensionalism” is a new step forward in the evolu on of art forms and it is o en
compared to the style that many associate with Jackson Pollock or his peers of the day. Is that a fair
comparison?
In my opinion, the two ar sts share a commonality in that they both are very deliberate in their technique
with nothing random or accidental occurring in their pain ngs. Furthermore, the works have a rhythmic dance
of intertwining paint and they share an audacity and boldness to break new ground separa ng themselves
from the masses. Accep ng those similari es, one next has to recognize the significa t di erences between
the ar sts’ works to gain an understanding and apprecia on of the unique art style that Jack Armstrong has
created.
Jacks “Cosmic Art” is driven by a mys cal force that emanated from the “Black Sapphire of Queensland.” That
force compelled him to create a very specifi number of pain ngs in a very specifi manner. Each of the 100
works is deliberately constructed with the lines, fig res and movements crea ng the appearance of an
accidental, non-composi onal technique. The mysterious messages and words found in the lines of the
pain ng are purposefully and strategically placed to deliver the cosmic energy within the pain ng to the
viewer.
The few owners of Jack’s “Cosmic Art” have a common experience in that they all menti n an indescribable
energy that seemingly vibrates from the pain ngs as they get near for viewings. This energy washes over them
and creates a feeling of rejuvena on and vibrancy.
With Pollack, it was likely a mo vati n to create artwork that separated him from the tradi onal style of the
day and to that end he created his signature “drip and splash” or “acti n pain ng” technique, which was very
avant-garde and revolu onized what was considered “ ne art”.
Regardless of opinion on what is and what is not “art”, Jack Armstrong is an excep onally talented ar st that
has developed a unique body of work that is extremely fi ite and cannot be repeated or duplicated. The fact
that collectors, investors, other ar sts and cri cs value the works in the millions speaks volumes to the
current value and future specula ve value of the artwork. All past fame and accolades aside, Jack’s art speaks
for itself and much like it’s brash creator… it speaks very loudly to those that can hear its message.
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