The Artist - AJ Douglas
The Graffiti Years…
AJ Douglas (aka Al) first became aware of Graffiti back in 1992 when a school friend showed him a copy of the Thames & Hudson classic “Spraycan Art”. To say that this changed his life is not a total understatement as it ignited a passion for the artform that still exists to this day.
From that initial introduction, under various tags (graffiti pseudonyms) most notably the name JYER, he dived headfirst into what was then, and to some degree still is, a misunderstood and unbeloved element of youth culture.
Although always having previously shown a certain level of artistic and creative flair, discovering this new form of expressionism gave Al opportunity to establish an alternate persona within the underground (sometimes literally) graffiti scene within the UK. One that, over the next 25+ years, would involve meeting people who would have a huge influence on his life, experiencing incredible things and visiting environments and places he would never have thought possible and have otherwise never realised.
Graffiti helped him establish and tone various skills that he has been able to apply to his current artwork. Composition, balance, structure and the use of colour were all honed through Graffiti and are all key elements of his personal and original style today.
As Jyer he brought colour to the walls and surfaces of the capital and beyond and was fortunate enough to paint with personal heroes and legends of the scene – showcasing his work in cities all around the world including several trips to the mecca of graffiti – New York.
Graffiti has gifted Al wonderful memories, helped him grow both in confidence as an artist and as a person. It also resulted in him making valuable friends in the process – some of whom have sadly since passed away but whose memory will always live on.
The Transition to Canvas…
His love and passion for this world has never waned but making the transition from walls to canvas came at a time where the art world was evolving and his own priorities in life had shifted somewhat. Amongst others, artists like Ben Eine, Shepard Fairey and of course Banksy had broadened the scope of what could now be considered respectable and revered in the legitimate art world.
The jump to canvas gave Al renewed enthusiasm and ability to create, experiment and develop his own style, free from the constraints and enforced boundaries imposed by and deemed acceptable within the graffiti community in which his trade had been learnt. This freedom of expression allowed experimentation, diversification and resulted in a “no-rule” integrity and rawness to his work.
Primarily his artwork explores colour and impact fused with an energy and vibrancy that explodes into life. A uniqueness that has proved to be very popular with the public, businesses and private collectors alike.
Inspiration comes from a desire to experiment with colour and build textured artwork that displays fluid composition and exciting, spontaneous movement. Juxtaposition of colour and the dynamic use of paint are key features of his work. He continues to develop and push himself into unfamiliar and unchartered artistic territories, sometimes resulting in more sombre, emotional and thought provoking pieces of artwork.
Influences range from the early New York Graffiti Writers to abstract art pioneers such as Wassily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still and most noticeably Jackson Pollock. More recent influences include Yvonne Coomber and Caroline Ashwood - who’s beautiful and inspiring flower scape paintings he very much admires.
In his own words…
Art is a very personal thing. It can be loved or despised, embraced or rejected. I feel that my paintings can take you as far as your imagination will allow and can be interpreted however you desire. There are no boundaries or limitations. No right or wrong. No pre-conceived perception or emotion attached, thus allowing the viewers interpretation to be all encompassing and unchallenged.
Personally I am immensely proud that some people like what I do. Even more so that some like it enough to part with their hard-earned to hang it on their wall!
The motivation to create was already there, the encouragement to continue is very highly valued, truly appreciated and will never be taken for granted.