In Jason Bartziokas's continued exploration of the human form, his newest works investigate how the body imparts identity through unconventional portrait poses. Capturing the essence of the individual through the torso's physical make-up Bartziokas unveils strength, vulnerability, confidence, and confliction without ever illuminating the persons face. Through painting posture, muscle definition, and flesh Bartziokas conveys sentiment in the same way as the eyes and smile reveal thought and emotion.
Bartziokas mixes 16th-century European aesthetics with contemporary notions of painting creating work that is innovative yet firmly rooted in historical traditions. Utilizing contemporary materials and airbrush painting techniques, Bartziokas creates high-realism figurative works that use aluminum as a support instead of canvas. These new works bestow an intimate glimpse of susceptibility, beauty and emotion.
Jason Bartziokas was born in Jasper, Alberta, but currently lives and works in Calgary. A 2004 graduate from the Alberta College of Art & Design's Painting Department with a BFA (with distinction). Following his sold-out solo debut exhibition at Skew Gallery in 2005, Bartzoikas is now represented in various private collections across Canada and the United States.
