Jaz Harold: Soft sculptures of beauty and innocence
The recent works of New York based fine artist Jaz Harold include sculptures that “soften the emphasis on the ego, ritual, intimacy, and stigma that society generally attaches to sex.” Created from plush fabrics, yarns and pastel hues, the works, with their sexual undertones and overtones, actually become an image of innocence and a new kind of beauty. Their innocent appearance, as well as the child-like aesthetic, is perfectly completed by the pastel colour choice.
We notice that the artist prefers fragments, highlighting certain gestures or postures, repeating them within the same work or isolating them, and sometimes using juxtapositions with elements such as crystals. She seems to focus on the hair, lips and hands.
The cherry blossom, symbolizing love in many cultures, is also a constant element: “Cherry blossoms (sakura) are a perfect balance of sexual innuendo, beauty, and innocence”. And it is used to express both the innocent love and a “simple uninhibited lust”. Among the themes approached by Jaz Harold there are also those of self reflection or inner dialogue, so we invite you to her extraordinary universe, which is definitely a mindset refresh.
‘Geode’ / October 2011; polyurethane resin, quartz crystals, thread, cashmere and merino yarns, metal stand; 10 x 13 x 34″
‘Cohabitation’ / February 2013; silicone resin, quartz crystals; 7.5 x 3.25 x 3.25″
‘Bloom’ / February 2012; polyurethane resin, oil paint, plush, thread, yarn; 20 x 18 x 11″
Installation view, The Ark Sakura solo exhibition / February 2014, at LaunchPad Gallery, Brooklyn.
‘Valley of the Sirens’ / May 2012; fabric, yarn, fabric, stretched canvas, thread, poly-fil; 5×7’
‘Overgrowth’ / September 2013; plaster, fabric, poly-fil, thread, staples, silicone, tassels; 23 x 40 x 12.5″
‘Consumation’ / May 2013; silicone, styrofoam, nylon rope, metal washers; 18 x 18 x 18″
‘Courtship’ / May 2013; fabric, silicone, poly-fil, wood; 10.5 x 1′
‘Arthritis’ / October 2013; silicone, thread; 4 x 3.5 x 5.5″
‘Wet Kiss’ / December 2012; Plush, poly-fil, silicone; 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.75″
‘Dry Kiss’ / April 2011; fabric, polyurethane resin, oil paint, thread, nylon rope; 3 x 4 x 4″
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All images © Jaz Harold