Showing August 12 - August 26, 2024
New In Box is a curation of paintings by Jamie Cardow that aims to reflect the culture of collection and nostalgia. Jamie plays with the idea that a toy untouched holds on to the idea that these objects are not in the past but are, instead, forever present. Jamie, a collector himself, believes that collecting toys is akin to housing memories, and truly taking care of these items is akin to caring for one’s inner child. This collection speaks on materialism and pop culture and the influence that these concepts had on the Millennial generation specifically.
In this collection, Jamie uses acrylic paint on stretched canvas. The painted images are kept small in the center of the canvas surrounded by a large area of titanium white. The small image aspires to draw the eye in close to really consume the vast detail of each work.
From an appropriate distance, New In Box displays a modern simplicity and a “less is more” attitude, but the closer you look the more maximalist in detail the images appear.
New In Box is an ode to the Millennial who is simply trying to make life work in today’s world and illustrates to them the importance of holding on to their light, because you’re never too old for toys.
About the Artist
Jamie Cardow is a self-taught queer and trans artist who was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario. Jamie primarily uses acrylics and watercolor but has been known to dabble in gouache and oil.
The subjects of Jamie’s art range from toys and food to figures and interiors. Though the subject matter may vary, they all share the commonality of exploring nostalgia and chasing the feeling of reminiscence and sentimentality. Jamie uses his art as a form of caring for his inner-child and cultivating a playful mindset.
Jamie enjoys exploring subjects and scenery that connect his generation to each other. He aims to identify a shared experience, and relish in the bygone days of childhood. Jamie’s art can offer a temporary respite from the daily challenges of the adult work-life balancing act and encourages the viewers to engage in their own nostalgic reflections.
Jamie is actively becoming a part of the Guelph Art community having been a part of various shows in the last year at ArtBar, 10c, and Necessary Arts.
Featured Work
Game Boy Color
8 x 8 inches, acrylic on canvas
2024, $195
Bop It!
8 x 8 inches, acrylic on canvas
2024, $195
Furby
8 x 8 inches, acrylic on canvas
2024, $195
Operation
12 x 12 inches, acrylic on canvas
2024, $245
Pokémon Starter Set
12 x 12 inches, acrylic on canvas
2024, $245
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