Gods, Men and Monsters JP Meyer
29 June - 21 August 2019
Gods, Men and Monsters Things that occupy my mind are perfect material to make art with. It has always been like that. Art is research. I can play with things, order it, try and make sense of it, even if just for a fleeting moment. It takes effort not to ease into a comfortable state of complacency with old, often outdated ideas, views and opinions. It is a continuous process of learning, unlearning and re-learning. I am interested in the lives and activities of men; how society and its structures can shape and define a masculinity that is at the same time attractive and toxic if one considers the recent hashtag hype and similar historical revelations that have created a toxic masculinity that has become a burden to men. In high school I always chose Greek mythology as a topic for my essays and oral exams, being drawn to the enduring myths of antiquity as storied vehicles to put me in touch with fundamental sources of origin, being, power and truth. To this day it remains an inexhaustible source of ethical enquiry, intellectual speculation and artistic renewal that I regularly revisit with vigour. Hercules, as the divine protector of mankind and the paragon of masculinity, and Darth Vader, as one of the most
iconic villains in popular culture and possibly one of the greatest fictional characters ever, have served as the inspiration for GODS, MEN AND MONSTERS. Under a spell cast by Hera, Hercules is driven to murder his wife and children. To atone for this crime, he is sentenced to perform twelve Labours – feats so difficult, they seem almost impossible. But through his struggles he is elevated as a hero and the embodiment of the Greek concept of pathos. As a reward for his virtuous struggle and suffering, he is promised to live forever with the gods on Mount Olympus. Anakin Skywalker, once believed to be the Chosen One, succumbs to the forces of darkness and becomes the evil lord, Darth Vader. The conflict between him and his son Luke is a major plot in the Star Wars trilogy and highlights the archetypical Father-Son Conflict and the various ways in which they engage with the shadow aspects of their personalities. The research continues‌
JP Meyer was born in South Africa and currently lives and works in Porterville in the Western Cape. An intrepid traveller, his school career was followed by a career with South African Airways that spanned 15 years. In 1996 he left to pursue his passion for art and enrolled as a full-time student, graduating with a Diploma in Fine Art (Painting) in 1999. Since mounting his first solo exhibition at the Association of Visual Arts in Cape Town in 2003, JP has participated in many joint and group exhibitions, with SASOL New Signatures in 2003 and the Brett Kebble Awards in 2003 and 2004 seeing him achieve finalist status. His work is included in the collections of SASOL, Rand Merchant Bank, Didata, Hollards and Nandos UK.
Geryon and Orthrus 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
The Lernean Hydra 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Mares of Diomedes 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Cerberus at the gates of Hades 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Augean Stables 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
The Ceryneian Stag 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
The Erymanthian Boar 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
The Apples of Hesperides 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
The Stymphalian Birds 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Cretan Bull 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Girdle of Hippolyta 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Melissa 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
The Nemean Lion 2019 Oil on Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Dark Side 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
I am your Father 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
The Sith I 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
The Sith II 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Yoda 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Next Move 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Luke Bio 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Princess Leia 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Half Mask 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Full Mask 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Vader Bio 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Vader I 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Vader II 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Vader III 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
Portrait 2019 Monotype 29,5 x 21 cm
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