Photography: Glen Perotte
Opening on 1st October, Travellers is the latest solo exhibition from Jason Butler, since Surface in 2022. Expect an evocative journey that has emerged over the last ten years of the artist’s work – exploring figuration and abstraction in a narrative of visuals.
The title for the exhibition took shape in tandem with the new body of work. “As the paintings progressed, it seemed to fit the general feel and look of the work,” Jason explained. Through wanting the exhibition to encompass an implied narrative, the artist hoped to take the viewer through a series of characters, environments and different atmospheres. “I’ve been thinking of it as being like a novel where the audience can read it visually, and then make their own sense of what’s going on,” said Jason.
While there’s no singular message or prescriptive meaning behind the pieces, the works are thoughtfully interconnected, designed to spark emotional and intellectual response while still allowing space for personal interpretation. “I don’t want to make work that preaches to the audience,” Jason elaborated, explaining that the ambiguity in his artwork is purposeful. “However,” he added, “I have tried to make sure they all connect with each other in some way, whilst ensuring each piece can stand on its own. Through reading books and listening to podcasts, there are many subjects I have explored through the painting process.”
The set of paintings is equally inspired by observing influential artists in history, with many collages made up of details from Old Master paintings. Expect elements from the likes of Titian, van Dyck, Veronese and Tiepolo, which have been particularly influential on his work of late. The references peppering his paintings offer a deepened sense of time and place, reinforcing the ‘traveler’ motif in both subject and style.
“I hope it’s exciting in terms of the imagery and the way the work has been painted,” Jason said. “I think there is a certain kind of atmosphere coming from the paintings and I always aim to move the viewer emotionally and intellectually. I have a deep love of painting, and I hope to share that with the visitors to the exhibition.”
Travellers will be on view from 1st-22nd October, open Monday through Saturday, 9:30am-5:00pm. After the show, Jason will be focusing on a series of portrait commissions – but for now, the priority is bringing this richly layered exhibition into the world.
Travellers opens on the 1st October, and will be running until the 22nd.
Open Mon-Sat, 9:30am-5:00pm
