Jonny Green

There is something to be said for Jonny Green’s ability to manipulate our perception of what’s grotesque into something somewhat charming, even if the malformed imagery of plasticine brains and mullered cartoon-like faces spawn from the depths of his own imagination. Simultaneously demanding our adoration and repulsion, as they attempt to beautify themselves with strips of black tape, tattered paper towels and fairy lights, in the artists search to dignify that, which is seemingly void of dignity.

Yet somewhere between portrait and still life, Green manages to animate the seemingly inanimate. Creating photorealistic paintings that spark off an internal conflict within us, his viewer. Challenging our own perceptions of beauty as we are ultimately consumed by his work. Consumed by the ugly-pretty.