HAUS-A-REST
Inspiring Creativity, Literary Expression, Building Connections
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Artist - Jay Rechsteiner

Our featured artist this month is painter Jay Rechsteiner whos 'Bad Painting' comprises faux-naïf style artworks addressing real human atrocities, each featuring a descriptive text sourced from various headlines.

BIO


I was born in Basel, Switzerland, educated in Switzerland, Japan and the UK. I live in Margate, UK. I have shown my work internationally.

 

1 - Could you explain your practice?  Only you know why you do what you do.

 My main practice focuses on painting, on my Bad Painting series.

 'Bad Painting' comprises faux-naïf style artworks addressing real human atrocities, each featuring a descriptive text sourced from various headlines. Painted on canvases approximately laptop screen-sized, they employ bold brushstrokes to convey immediacy. Despite potentially discomforting content, they serve as vital records of humanity's darker aspects in the contemporary era. In today's turbulent world, with shifting societal norms, moral values, and political ideologies, their relevance, especially their textual component, is amplified, capturing the zeitgeist and reflecting societal shifts.

 Importantly, each "Bad Painting" is not only a visual but also a linguistic entity. The incorporated texts, constructed from various headlines related to specific events, are an integral part of each work. Through this fusion of image and text, I invite viewers to delve not only visually but also linguistically into the deep corners of our collective reality.

 The inspiration for all my "Bad Paintings" comes from my personal feelings of anger, sadness, and dismay about such events. These emotions deeply stir me, and painting allows me to process and understand these feelings both emotionally and intellectually.

I do not intend for the paintings to take a side or make a political statement. They are based on factual events. Whatever the viewers feel or think is personal to them and of secondary importance. My goal is to present the reality and let the viewers draw their own conclusions.

For all "Bad Paintings" up to number 357, I used acrylic paint on canvas. From number 358 onwards, I switched to oil on canvas. I chose acrylic paint for its fast-drying properties and its plastic-like texture, which resonates with our fast-paced world. I transitioned to oil because I simply enjoy working with it. The style can be described as faux-naive, which aligns with the concept by being crude, ugly, and fast, offering a different perspective to the work.

2 - Is art relevant today? 

I believe art is relevant today, both personally and in a broader context. For me, art is significant because I actively engage in creating it, and it occupies a considerable portion of my time and space. This personal connection highlights art’s impact on my life. However, considering its relevance on a larger scale, I would argue that art remains crucial.

 Art’s relevance extends beyond strict definitions or conceptual boundaries. At its core, art involves imagination and creativity, which are essential for any form of creation. Although society often prioritizes practical solutions with measurable outcomes, art contributes in ways that are less immediate but profoundly influential. Art operates on a deeper level, shaping cultural narratives, inspiring change, and sparking new ideas.

Thus, even though art may not deliver quick or tangible results, its impact on the collective consciousness and its ability to inspire and provoke thought ensures its continued relevance in today's world.

3 – We are always asked what other artists influence us, we want to know what art you don’t like and which influences you?

 I do not like art that gains popularity solely because of its creator’s fame or general popularity. There are many famous artists whose work I find boring, dull and simply not interesting.  Many artists, after achieving success, tend to become too comfortable in their practice, which can diminish the quality and originality of their work. I also dislike gimmicky art and most public art. Style and taste play significant roles in my preferences. When I look at art on social media, I often find myself perplexed, not understanding why certain images are so popular or have so many likes. This sense of non-understanding and disagreement influences me, pushing me to question prevailing trends and to seek deeper meaning and authenticity in art.

 4- If you could go back 10-20 years what would you tell your younger self?

 

If I could go back 10-20 years, I would tell my younger self to ditch all other projects and focus solely on Bad Painting. Don't worry about getting a job or earning money—just go for it and don't be scared.

 

5 – If you could go forward 10-20 years what do you hope to have done or not done?

If I could go forward 10-20 years, I hope to be recognized as one of the most important painters/artists. I want to have schools, universities, streets, and other landmarks named after me. I would look back and not want to change anything.