Artist Statement – Jorin Bossen
My paintings explore the complexity of human interaction, capturing moments that feel both public and deeply personal. Through subtle gestures—a fleeting glance, a slouched shoulder, crossed legs, or a quiet motion—I construct a visual language that reveals the nuances and shifting dynamics of relationships. At the core of my work is a fascination with the human form as a vessel for both storytelling and emotional expression. Each scene resists easy interpretation, inviting viewers’ own perspectives, and creating space for reflection and resonance.
I am particularly drawn to how figures relate to one another and to their environments, exploring themes of identity, vulnerability, and the human condition. My style blends traditional figuration with a post-impressionistic sense of space and inflections of abstract expressionism. Influenced by filmmakers like Hal Hartley and Jean-Luc Godard—known for challenging conventional narratives—I seek to present a version of reality that feels slightly askew. In doing so, I hope to reveal deeper truths about the phenomenology of human existence, prompting viewers to reflect on what, precisely, feels familiar or unsettling.
Materials play a central role in shaping the emotional atmosphere of my work. Through oil paint, acrylic, and pastel pencil, I embrace each medium’s distinct qualities. The thickness of oil, the smooth immediacy of acrylic, and the sharp clarity of pastel pencil all serve to reinforce the physicality and presence of my subjects. Employing thin washes, muted palettes, and varied applications, I create layered surfaces. In some areas, the paint becomes almost sculptural, while in others, flat shapes and shadows introduce abstraction. This interplay allows viewers to experience both the illusion of the image and the material reality of the painting simultaneously. By emphasizing directness and tactility, I invite observers to engage with the quiet, often-overlooked gestures of everyday life. And while my work may allude to other media, it remains grounded in the act of painting itself—where the texture of paint and the trace of the hand become integral to its meaning.