From Habitat Series ~200x150cm (Acrylic, Markers and Pigment Ink on canvas) 2023
The 2023-2025 Habitat series features complex, hand-painted bases with multi-layered, controlled-random abstractions on repurposed canvas combined with abstract-figurative drawn elements printed with pigment inks. This new series arose from a previous collaboration between JP Paul, Karel Prickett-Perez, and their mentor, the late Arq. Carlos Perez Franco, who was profoundly influential in their artistic careers, including his architectural explorations, street photography, and contemporary drawing techniques.
Whereas Perez Franco was a master draftsman with impeccable traditional drawing capabilities demonstrated throughout his 60-year career, JP Paul incorporates similar approaches using a large-format Cintiq tablet and then combines the results with acrylic painting and alternative markings in a lengthy process that includes priming, coating, painting, and printing, followed by additional painting and marking until the desired compositions are achieved. Karel utilizes his unique contemporary vision and forays into monochrome photography throughout the layered compositional process.
While originals from this series are now rare, large-format limited-edition prints of the original series can be purchased at Karel's website karelprickettperez.com, and Altsur's regional printing affiliate, zeditions.com. Available in Canada and the United States, the artists collaborate with one of Noth America's leaders in fine art reproductions with production studios in both countries to ensure that excessive tariffs and other customs fees are not charged.
"Habitat: At Heart", ~200x150cm, (Acrylic, Markers and Pigment Ink) on Canvas, 2023
With decades of experience in alternative processes and the alchemic side of both fine art photography and contemporary arts, JP, his wife Isabel, and son Karel developed their own inkjet receptor coatings that allow them to print on a variety of substrates and media, thus aiding the layered approach and inherent tactile qualities to their works.
These latest pieces are, in essence, a culmination of experiments with analog painting, alternative processes, gel transfers, and digital drawing elements aggregated seamlessly to represent the famiy's interpretation of what blended mixed-media work can entail in the 21st century.
"Habitat: The Hills" 150x150cm (Acrylic, Markers and Pigment Ink) on Canvas, 2023
Carlos Perez-Franco passed away in 2015 of natural causes after an esteemed 60-year career in visual arts and architecture. His CPF foundation and remaining works are still available through altsur.com, ardstrum.com, zeditions.com, and karelprickettperez.com, with many existing originals and limited edition prints available for sale or consignment.
Karel Prickett Perez is based in the Martimes region of Eastern Canada. JP Paul has lived and worked in nine countries across four continents and an island. He currently splits his time between studios in SE Asia and SOuth America.