Oh Ariel! Painting

Jamie Jones absorbed the artistic and illustrative pop-culture of the 80s and early 90s, bingeing Saturday-morning cartoons, collecting comic books and being mesmerised by the pillars of hip-hop. Jamie's work promotes escapism and evokes nostalgia - reflections of childhood memories and experiences that make his work accessible to audiences young and old. MISLED YOUTH solo exhibition 2023 – Jamie Jones Artist Statement "Misled Youth" is a captivating exploration that intertwines the classic charm of iconic “cherub” imagery with portraits of solemn yet resilient young figures adorned as iconic superheroes. This collection portrays an array of fresh faced figures that these small, determined heroes symbolise, evoking and connecting an audience of all ages. As viewers engage with "Misled Youth," they are invited to reflect on their own experiences and embrace the journey of escapism to a simpler time and place through a variety of mixed mediums and cultural influences. "Misled Youth" captures the essence of a generation searching for authenticity amidst the noise of an ever-evolving world through the warm glow of pop culture on TV, often a guiding light for innocent minds. The collection is an exploration of the fragility and resilience of youth, emphasising the power of self-awareness and the importance of finding one's own path even when faced with misleading influences.