Kathleen Buckley | Between Abstract Expressionism and Contemporary Fantasy: Jared Betts’ Artistic Practice
From Costa Rica to Iceland and Tokyo, Moncton-based abstract artist Jared Betts draws inspiration for his lively compositions from all corners of the world. In Costa Rica, for instance, Jared was inspired by the colours of the local houses, stating “someone painting their house somehow easily comes to the conclusion that it should be neon green and bright pink. That, to me, seemed fantastic.”
Like his Costa Rica paintings, many of Jared’s series are conceived abroad and have a distinct identity and visual charm comparable to their place of origin. His series Iceland, for example, uses dark, bold tones and thick markings giving the works a sense of weight and turmoil. In his Tokyo series, Jared uses pastel and neon tones, creating dream-like compositions that are whimsical and electric.
Jared Betts, “Untitled”, from the series Iceland, acrylic on canvas, 39" x 39", 2010
Jared cites the abstract expressionist movement of the 50s and 60s as another source of inspiration. Cy Twombly’s scribbles, Jackson Pollock’s action painting, and Mark Rothko’s colourfield compositions were particularly helpful while Jared worked towards losing the figurative aspects in his own paintings in order to focus on colour application. Jared’s contemporary palette, however, inspired by 80s fashion, cyberpunk, anime, Disney, and Dr. Seuss, firmly grounds his work in the 21st century. Jared explains, “I’m using a lot of colors that people tend not to use in the East and that makes me even more excited to use them.”
Jared Betts, “Asuka” from the series Tokyo, 16" x 20", Mixed media on wood panel,
Similarly, Jared’s 2019 exhibition Pictus, currently traveling around the Maritimes, came from wanting to “break free of any preconceived notions” of what abstract art in Atlantic Canada is today. While abstract art is often thought of as layers of paint completely filling a canvas, Jared allows gesso or even the raw canvas to show through his work. He points to his Atlantic Canadian contemporaries Alexandrya Eaton, Jack Bishop, and Wayne Boucher for further examples of artists reexamining the norm: “I feel they are each uniquely pushing and challenging Canadian painting history.”
Jared Betts, “Untitled” from the series Pictus, 5’ x 7’, 2019.
When encountering his work, Jared wants people to be confused, happy, excited, and hopefully inspired to learn more about the history of abstract expressionism. “I want my work to start a conversation. [My paintings] have everything to say while saying nothing directly. Abstract art is about magic and conveying a new emotion; I’m creating something that no one has ever seen.”
Honolulu Escapism, Jared’s current exhibition, is on display at Théâtre Capitol Theatre, Moncton, NB, but is closed to in-person visits for the time being.
—Kathleen Buckley, Executive Director/Programming Coordinator at Third Space Gallery
Exhibition and artwork photography by Mathieu Leger
Studio photo by Kathleen Buckley