I was sent today the catalogue of an artist whose name is new to me. Sean Jefferson, however, I recognised immediately as someone whose work invites a lot of attention. If his paintings were works of literature perhaps they would be identified as “magical realism”. He invites us into a strange dreamlike world which suggested to me at first sight a rather kinder person of Heironymus Bosch, if you can imagine that. His pictures are full of references to fairy tales and Green Men with a strong dash of Salvador Dali. Very, very odd indeed …. but equally very, very compelling. I shall spend ages looking at this stuff. One indication of the extent to which he appeals to me is the fact that it even crossed my mind that by fair means or foul I might get down to London to see his exhibition.
One of the things that arrested my attention and made me think that here might be somebody with whom I feel at home (despite the fact that my work bears absolutely no resemblance to his) is the motto he has placed at the front of the catalogue. “The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” Yes! We are not expected to explain anything, or teach you anything. Our work, as artists, should draw you in thinking “What’s going on here?” I guess that is why the line from Bob Dylan has always served as a recurring motif in my life. “Something is happening. But you don’t know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones?” Don’t go anywhere near art unless you are prepared be surprised …. and probably also to do some work.
This is why the best portraits never allow you to think, at first acquaintance, that you know the sitter. Viewing a good portrait ought to be more like meeting the person in the flesh. It takes a while to get to know them.
I would love to know whether Jefferson would agree with my own belief, that art and religion have a great deal in common. Their primary function is not to make it all clear, leaving you with the impression that everything is understandable after all. Rather it is to confirm in the viewer/believer a sense of the profound mystery at the heart of existence.