Jarvis Boyland
Jarvis Boyland, born in 1995 in Memphis, Tennessee, and currently based in Los Angeles, California, is a remarkable figure in contemporary art, known for his deeply intimate portrayals of Black queerness and masculinity. Boyland's oeuvre, primarily executed in oil on canvas, captures the nuanced complexities of identity, intimacy, and domesticity through the lens of his own experiences and observations. His artworks, characterized by a vibrant palette and a tender depiction of his subjects, have earned him significant acclaim and a place in prestigious collections, including the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, and the Brooklyn Museum.
Boyland's academic journey has been equally impressive. He pursued an MFA at the University of California, Los Angeles, and notable residencies, including one at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. These experiences not only honed his skills but also broadened his perspectives on art and identity (Jarvis Boyland).
His work, described as an ardent inquiry into the varieties of touch and the cadence of feeling, reflects a unique sensitivity towards his subjects. Boyland's paintings are not just visual experiences but are imbued with emotional depth, exploring the intersections of blackness and queerness with a focus on the black male body in repose. Themes of comfort, leisure, and the complexities of modern interaction in the age of digital culture are recurrent in his work, suggesting a nuanced understanding of identity and intimacy in contemporary society.
Boyland's solo exhibitions, such as "On Hold" at Kohn Gallery and "Lucky Stars" at Mamoth Gallery in London, showcase his evolution as an artist. His recent works include self-portraits against monochromatic backdrops, exploring self-invention and the sensual allure of Black style, with a keen eye for textiles and the assembly of self in a world often hostile to his identity.
Despite the potential melancholy attached to portraiture, Boyland's approach is strategic. He often obscures the faces of his subjects or portrays them in ways that challenge the viewer's expectations. This reticence is not merely artistic coyness but a thoughtful reflection on Black gay life, aiming to depict it beyond the confines of representation and visibility.
Boyland's art resonates with a broad audience, reflecting an intensely personal yet universally accessible exploration of identity, community, and the human experience. His work serves as a powerful commentary on the visibility and representation of queer Black men, making him a vital voice in contemporary art.
For more about Jarvis Boyland's work, exhibitions, and contributions to contemporary art, visit his official website or explore his profile on Artsy (Artsy).
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