Emerging Chicago based artist, Jason Farley has spent the past year building a new collection of work featuring surrealistic portraitures infused with nature. Ideas for his series first came to fruition in the Summer of 2022. After experimenting with different designs, Farley changed the direction in the type work he regularly produces. Less than year after altering his artistic voice, the artist found the majority of this new collection sold out.

Farley now continues his evolving series with a new exhibition titled A BEAUTIFUL DEMISE. This collection of work depicts the beauty found in life, even in the most darkest of places. On display are the artists most detailed works to date, many of which took Jason over 100 hours to complete. Alongside his painted originals, a small batch of open edition prints are featured, as well as a single wooden pallet print, the first of its kind for the artist. 

Artist Interview

How would you describe this new collection of work you’ve been producing? 

“My paintings are a testament to the painstaking attention to detail I pour into each stroke of the brush. Through the medium of oil painting, I aim to capture the intricate nuances of my subjects, bringing them to life on the canvas. It is this dedication to craftsmanship that allows me to breathe life into my subjects and create a visceral connection between the viewer and the art."

Surrealism seems to be a big part of this exhibition. What does Surrealism mean to you?

“Surrealism, with its dreamlike and irrational imagery, infuses my work with a sense of the extraordinary lurking just beneath the surface of reality. Postmodernism, on the other hand, empowers me to question and reinterpret established norms, encouraging viewers to explore the intersection of contemporary culture and timeless beauty."

For those hearing about A Beautiful Demise for the first time, how would you put it into words?

"A Beautiful Demise" is an invitation to journey through the ever-evolving tapestry of artistic inspiration. Each painting is a story, a symphony of colors and shapes that blend and intertwine to create an immersive experience. As you explore this exhibition, I hope you find yourself captivated by the intricate dance of nature, the allure of fashion, the serenity of scenery from my travels, the nostalgia of pop culture, and the enchantment of the animal kingdom."

A Beautiful Demise will be on view until November 5th in downtown Chicago. The exhibition is located inside the Water Tower Place on level two. For those not in proximity to the show, you can also view the collection online. 

Gallery Hours:

Thursday-Sunday 1-6pm

835 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL