JASON LEINWAND
Born 1979, Middletown, CT
Lives in Brooklyn, NY. Works in Long Island City, NY
Education
2006 MFA, New York University, New York, NY
2001 BA, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
Group Exhibitions
2010 Vision Quest: A Group Show of Neo-Shamanic Art. Curated by Pam Grossman. Observatory, Brooklyn, NY
2006 MFA Thesis Exhibition, 80 Washington Square East Galleries, New York University, New York, NY
(catalogue)
New Art New York, Open Studios, New York University, New York, NY
2005 The Lurking Fear, with Chad Hamilton, Rosenberg Gallery, New York, NY
Storefront/Forefront, New York University, New York, NY
Turnover, The Commons, New York University, New York, NY
Ball, Open Studios, New York University, New York, NY
2004 Renovation, Open Studios, New York University, New York, NY
2001 Senior Thesis Exhibition: Paraffinoma-Works on Paper, Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery, Wesleyan
University, Middletown, CT
Circus Productions
CO-DIRECTOR, Cirque This
2010 Viva La Evolution! Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY (upcoming)
2009 The 3rd Annual Cirque Off, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
Dining with Cirque This, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
2008 The 2nd Annual Cirque Off, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
The Circus of Epic Disproportions, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
2007 The 1st Annual Cirque Off, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
The Circus of Dos and Don’ts, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
2006 Sleeping with Cirque This!, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
2005 Cirkin’ for the Man, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
2004 Elemental Town, Triskelion Arts, Brooklyn, NY
DESIGNER, The Children’s Circus of Middletown
2009 In Your Dreams, Spencer Elementary School (Outdoors), Middletown, CT
ARTIST STATEMENT
Our trip that asked us, “Who and what are we?” is embraced.
The goal is to experience One-ness with the Supreme Being. But, WHERE ARE YOU?!?
The goal is to communicate with spirits, ghosts and extra-terrestrials. But, I’M TERRIFIED!
The goal is to not be terrified. But, WHAT’S REAL HERE ANYWAYS?!?
At times these goals are achieved and rigorous focus is transformed into balance, unity and bliss. There are also times when these goals are unattainable, but it is the process and the practice that guides me back toward a sound and righteous path. I make collage because it is simple, involves repetitive actions, directs structure, and is unforgiving.
I imagine a relationship to Color, upon first sight, cannot be much different from experiencing the divine; a kaleidoscopic lure of light and warmth. An invitation to explore this light inevitably leads to the discovery of a Darkness. Through color, my work examines Hindu, Buddhist and Shamanic themes where the acceptance of this Darkness or Fear can lead to higher realms of consciousness and new states of being. This pairing of Color with Darkness becomes the focus of collaged meditations aimed at a better understanding of the Self and a means to conquer Fears.
My work is about Being. Bright, colorful, paper collages functioning as the Mandala or the Yantra: a meditational tool aimed at self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and devotion to the Divine Being. Navigating Consciousness through laser beams, Shakti, and joy. Confronting Fear by maintaining a rigorous process, Kali, and death. Experiencing Harmony from symmetry, UFO’s, and the cosmos. Densely layered patterns, shapes, and line hold together deep, symmetrical spaces where mind and body potential is revealed and explored. In either case, an attempt to create a magic Sacred Space where our primordial questions about Being, co-exist with comic books, science fiction, Timothy Leary and Terrance McKenna. A magic Sacred Space where the divine mother goddess can just as easily caress and nurture you as ferociously rip your face off.