Monthly Archive for August, 2009

Paper Cuttings by Jad Fair

I really like these black and white paper-cutting artworks by Jad Fair.

So much so, in fact, I even bought one and can’t wait to get it home!

There are 47 in total, all cut from black paper on white background, they’re not all completely symmetrical, they’ve been worked on after the main cutting has been done with the paper folded. Similar characters and features appear throughout the series which was created very recently so this is their first viewing – well done to Red Wire.
There are also 15 colourful paintings.

There is also a video of his experimental rock band ‘Half Japanese’, don’t think I’ve heard them before, sounds a bit too punky and distorted for my taste.

Jad Fair : Automatic Vaudeville
29 August – 13 September 2009 (Thur – Sun 1-6pm)
Red Wire Gallery is delighted to announce the first U.K solo exhibition by acclaimed and increasingly influential American artist and musician, Jad Fair.

“There are plenty of performers who rock critics compliment by using the label ‘primitive,’ but few if any can hold a candle to the greatest American rock primitive, Jad Fair.” (John Dougan- All music guide)

Described as speaking for the idiot savant or autistic auteur in all of us, Jad Fair’s paintings, drawings and paper-cuttings exude an enthusiasm for a world presided over by a childish happiness, wacky adventures, mysterious monsters and a love for all things that is so rarely expressed with such sincerity.

Jad’s career began in 1979 with his brother when they formed legendary experimental rock band, Half Japanese. Jad has since worked with dozens of collaborators such as Daniel Johnston, J. Mascis, Thurston Moore, Moe Tucker, Yo la Tengo and Teenage Fanclub. His influence on music cannot be underestimated- its been 30 years since Jad “practically invented lo-fi art-rock in the bedroom of their home of Uniontown, Maryland” (LA Weekly) and his D.I.Y approach, lack of tuning and extreme distortion can is recognizable in the sound of many of today’s bands.