Jesse Diss

Defining the work of artist JESSE DISS simply as pop art is something of a simplification. He uses a variety of materials and mixed media in line with his own unique perspective.

Akin to many of the great artists of this genre before him, he has an impish loathing of today’s mainstream popular culture – and, as such, enjoys commenting on the society in which he lives. He brings an irreverent but acutely observed edge of humour to all his work, and embraces a neo-modernist kitsch - but genuine - love of colour to express himself. He’s a true polymath - his mediums are far-ranging (music, animation, mixed media, wood or metal) and his influences as diverse as a vivid dream he had or an advertisement he may have seen.

Jesse has a passion for vintage cars and a strong love of the aesthetics from the ‘50s & ‘60s in general - particularly the fashion, the music and the cocktails (!), which seep into his work: "I get a kick out of educating people about underground music, culture and other parameters from different eras. My very immodest hope is to influence others with my art, adding a new element to their lives and their environment - something that might make them question their perception of reality" - says Jesse.

Fun and a...

Jesse Diss has a non-classical art pedigree - he completed his studies at South Essex College and immediately started producing artwork, exhibiting soon after in London, and later in Southend and Leigh-on-Sea (Studio 3, Civic Centre, Faux Gallery, Fives Records, Studio 19), as well as in Madrid and Mallorca, Spain.

His individual style has eventually built something of a small following - he was invited to the prestigious and nationally covered Leigh Art Trail as a Special Guest in June 2013. He submitted a large metal sculpture from sea salvagings, which he recycled afterwards while making other artwork, as part of a dialogue about how entropy deconstructs all things.

He is currently exhibiting at Studio 19 in Leigh and at the Civic Centre in Southend. Jesse has high profile collectors in LA, Spain and London - including PR guru Lynne Franks. His most recent large exhibition was a collection of silk-screen prints in Spain (“Bluesmen & Pin-ups”, August 2013, Deia, Mallorca, Spain), which attracted record visitors and press interest.