1xRUN Thru Interview
First Down by Joram Roukes
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this piece, what materials were used?
Joram Roukes: I painted this piece over the course of a few weeks in 2012 using oil paint on linen. This painting was part of my first gallery show in the United States at CAVE Gallery in Venice, California in April 2013 along with a few similarly themed pieces. I like the violence of American football and I look for interesting juxtapositions in the use of animals. It creates association and makes a comment about the contrast in violence in nature and in human society.
1xRUN: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Joram Roukes: I started with that very basic idea about the juxtaposition and contrast of the violence in American football and the fierceness of the animals. The energy in a way is the same, but the incentives are so different. I’m interested in those things we do as people that could not be instinctively explained, but are cultural manifestations rather. The things that would make the animals think; ‘why on earth do they do that?’ Then I made a collage, a drawing and started the painting itself.
1xRUN: What is unique about this piece?
Joram Roukes: It’s a collage-like painting much like my other work. But it doesn’t depict the human figure with the animal head which I have been known to do. It makes for a different composition and a very dynamic piece I think.
1xRUN: Why should people buy this print?
Joram Roukes: Because the last print sold out pretty fast and I may not do another for some time. Also because I believe this is a painting that remains interesting to look at. It is for me.
1xRUN: You’ve had a big year in 2013, give us a quick recap of how the year went for you?
Joram Roukes: This past year was pretty intense. I did two big solo shows in London and Copenhagen and two group shows in Los Angeles. I traveled a lot and worked really hard. Besides all this work, it was a tough year personally as well. I made the move to Los Angeles to work on next years’ show at Thinkspace gallery.
1xRUN: You recently made the move from the Netherlands here to the US in Los Angeles, what has that been like?
Joram Roukes: It’s been somewhat of an adjustment. I’ve met lots of new people and this city is like no other place. It’s inspiring but it’s also incredibly easy to get distracted.
1xRUN: What spurred the move and how has the change of scenery affected your work?
Joram Roukes: There are a few reasons I wanted to come out here. The weather for one. I have a very cold studio back in The Netherlands and a little bit of sunshine makes a big difference. Practically it is really great working close to the gallery. In terms of inspiration, there is a lot to explore and research here that I can work with. It’s all a matter of funneling the ideas into a solid body of works for my next show in July. It’s all been very exciting.
1xRUN: Who are some artists visually or otherwise that influence your work?
Joram Roukes: Neo Rauch as a painter and David Lynch for his film. Both work in such a way that what you see may not make sense immediately or at all. It feels intuitive yet cohesive. It is that type of work that never stops to intrigue me.
1xRUN: What are your plans for the next 2-3 months now that you’re settled in here in Los Angeles?
Joram Roukes: Work hard and make my best paintings. And have a good time and enjoy the weather.
1xRUN: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Joram Roukes: I will be in the Pow Wow Hawaii curated group show in Honolulu with Thinkspace Gallery in February and then July will be my big solo-debut at the gallery. Then in December I’ll be doing a solo show at White Walls in San Francisco. Lots of work ahead again.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Joram Roukes: Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter
-1xRUN