Oil and Acrylic with Natural Pigments on Canvas
16 x 11 in
41 x 28 cm
US $ 2,000
The surreal, figurative elements in The Last Time I Saw It capture a sense of memory and loss, infused with Parris Jaru’s signature bold, expressive linework. The dominant black figure, outlined with thick, curving strokes, seems to anchor the composition, while its wide, searching eyes imply an introspective, almost haunted presence. This figure is juxtaposed with a simpler, faint outline of what appears to be an animal, perhaps an elephant, rendered in delicate red lines. Together, these figures evoke a tension between the remembered and the ephemeral.
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The surreal, figurative elements in The Last Time I Saw It capture a sense of memory and loss, infused with Parris Jaru’s signature bold, expressive linework. The dominant black figure, outlined with thick, curving strokes, seems to anchor the composition, while its wide, searching eyes imply an introspective, almost haunted presence. This figure is juxtaposed with a simpler, faint outline of what appears to be an animal, perhaps an elephant, rendered in delicate red lines. Together, these figures evoke a tension between the remembered and the ephemeral.
The palette combines grounding earth tones of beige and green with vibrant accents of red and black, lending the piece an organic yet otherworldly feel. Comparisons could be drawn to the works of Jean Dubuffet, known for his Art Brut style, where unrefined forms and raw lines explore the subconscious. Yet, unlike Dubuffet, this painting’s energy feels rooted in a specific cultural memory, blending elements of surrealism with themes of heritage and personal history.
The title hints at a final moment of reflection, as if the artist or viewer is looking back at something irreplaceable. The layered textures, rough edges, and ambiguous figures convey a journey of contemplation, where forms are both recognizable and abstract, embodying the fleeting nature of memory. The painting invites viewers into a shared, yet deeply personal, reflection on loss and connection.