GEORGE BILLIS GALLERY / MATT JACOBS

his charming series of paintings and watercolors by Matt Jacobs are on display for the artist’s third exhibition here at the Gallery. The bold flowers and repeating geometric patterns are lushly modeled in oil paint, and are coupled with the use of inlaid wood. Surrounding the colorful and whimsical bouquets and garlands is a border of complimentary colors rife with kaleidoscopic floral images to further entice the eye. Influences of Persian miniatures and French Baroque are prevalent, as well as traditional floral painting which was used to document nature’s beauty. The artist states, “By using subject matter that is historically decorative and painterly, I seek to explore the medium’s more ethereal content.” The paintings become visually intense and hallucinatory as different varieties of flowers and leaves dance and intertwine in the geometry of the surrounding patterns.

Traditionally mysticism was effectively communicated in painting through an assortment of lyrical, painterly indulgences, creating a supernatural, as well as an escapist experience. Matt Jacobs says, “I use patterns, flowers and foliage to create a kind of euphoric lushness.” The artist says, “I’m trying to integrate painting’s supernatural history with its more decadent and hedonistic nature. Through the use of oversized external framing to isolate and specify the interior space, I create a series of margins gradually descending into the painting.” Jacobs began working abstractly over 10 years ago by painting grids in one-inch squares. This repetitive instinct can be seen in the current floral based work as well.

Matt Jacobs is an M.F.A. graduate of the School of Visual Arts, the artist received his undergraduate degree from Bard College. The artist lives and works in New York City. Jacobs participated in the group exhibition “Pattern,” curated by Valerie McKenzie for James Graham and Sons, and has exhibited in North Carolina and Upstate New York.


his charming series of paintings and watercolors by Matt Jacobs are on display for the artist’s third exhibition here at the Gallery. The bold flowers and repeating geometric patterns are lushly modeled in oil paint, and are coupled with the use of inlaid wood. Surrounding the colorful and whimsical bouquets and garlands is a border of complimentary colors rife with kaleidoscopic floral images to further entice the eye. Influences of Persian miniatures and French Baroque are prevalent, as well as traditional floral painting which was used to document nature’s beauty. The artist states, “By using subject matter that is historically decorative and painterly, I seek to explore the medium’s more ethereal content.” The paintings become visually intense and hallucinatory as different varieties of flowers and leaves dance and intertwine in the geometry of the surrounding patterns. Traditionally mysticism was effectively communicated in painting through an assortment of lyrical, painterly indulgences, creating a supernatural, as well as an escapist experience. Matt Jacobs says, “I use patterns, flowers and foliage to create a kind of euphoric lushness.” The artist says, “I’m trying to integrate painting’s supernatural history with its more decadent and hedonistic nature. Through the use of oversized external framing to isolate and specify the interior space, I create a series of margins gradually descending into the painting.” Jacobs began working abstractly over 10 years ago by painting grids in one-inch squares. This repetitive instinct can be seen in the current floral based work as well. Matt Jacobs is an M.F.A. graduate of the School of Visual Arts, the artist received his undergraduate degree from Bard College. The artist lives and works in New York City. Jacobs participated in the group exhibition “Pattern,” curated by Valerie McKenzie for James Graham and Sons, and has exhibited in North Carolina and Upstate New York.

• Roses and Foxgloves, oil on wood, 16 x 20", 2006 • Blossoming Tree, watercolor, 9 x 8", 2006 • Rose and Sunflower Bushes, oil on panel, 20 x 10", 2006 • Orchid Garden, oil on panel, 36 x 24", 2006

• Flowering Tree, oil on inlaid wood, 16 x 20", 2005 • Garden with Celtic Hearts Border, oil on inlaid wood panel, 26" square, 2005

• Fields of Flowers, oil on inlaid wood, 10 x 20", 2005 • From the Garden to the Forest, oil on inlaid wood panel, 20 x 10", 2005

• Rose Bush, oil on inlaid wood, 30 x26", 2003

• Rose Garden, oil on inlaid wood, 16 x 12", 2003 • Orchid and Ribbon, Oil on Inlaid Wood, 11 x 14", 2002

• Triptych with Vine Border, Oil on Inlaid Wood, 21 x 40", 2001

• Circle Painting with Wreathed Border, Oil on Inlaid Wood, 21 x 21" 2001

• Baroque Wreath Painting, Oil on Wood, 27 x 24", 1999 • Garland, Oil on Wood, 27 x 24", 1998

• Untitled, Water Color, Pencil, Gouache on Paper, 15 1/4 x 11", 1998 • Vine with Flowers, Oil on Wood, 19 x 11", 1998 • Resume: Matt Jacobs
• For additional information please email or contact the gallery. gallery@georgebillis.com
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