Jason Bard Yarmosky used his 84-year-old grandparents as models for this discomfiting series on the intersection of the battered body and the vibrant soul. His solo “Elder Kinder” exhibition opens this week at Lyons Wier Gallery in New York. (Above: The Sound of Silence; Below: Ballet)
Yarmosky’s works explore the physical process of aging while emphasizing the youthfulness of spirit. The subjects, in children’s costumes, engage in playful and tender moments, stressing that age is not a deterrent to living fully, but a springboard for exploration. Even so, the paintings have a darkness that adds to the overall discomfort.
-The Boxer
In a release for the exhibit, the gallery notes that the images can be seen as humiliating, or as empowering.
“The pessimist sees the images through the lens of shame and vulnerability, weighed down by social convention. The optimist sees a sense of liberation, where an adolescent’s playfulness and the freedom to dream complement the wisdom of old age.” Lyons Wier Gallery
-Horse Feathers
The life-like oil paintings examine the relationship between the limitations of social norms and the freedom to explore. Yarmosky says the process of aging has always intrigued him: “I am interested in how people, in both mind and body, respond to the passage of time.”
-Whatever it is, I’m Against It
Lyons Wier Gallery, here.
Jason Yarmosky website, here.
Such a perfect work indeed! Are all these creations real paintings? I mean… you know! Painted all by hand? They are wonderful
Very nice blog!! Greetings!
Yes, real, life-like oil paintings. He has great technique, doesn’t he? And the series is so gripping. Thank you for your comment.
Thank you for blogging, it’s great work!
You’re so welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
It’s funny how as a society we want to botox everything into place. No botox or photoshop here!
Great point. This is actually what we look like, and it’s very well portrayed. Thanks.
Absolutely brilliant perspective! Thank you for sharing these disturbingly uncovenventional pieces!
Disturbingly unconventional is a perfect descriptor – no matter which way you regard the project. Thank you. I agree it’s brilliant.
it is not only portraying the old, but also what a young person may feel time to time beneath her youthfulness or so called coolness. brilliant work. thanks for sharing.
Yes, I agree, and it’s very powerful in what it accomplishes, isn’t it. Thank you for taking the time to comment.