Dusa Jesih, Black pine tree, Requiem to the life, hommage a Kosovel
International Extempore Kras 2023
The lone black pine, its branches reaching towards the heavens, serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and unwavering spirit amidst a world of isolation. Its roots, deeply embedded in the earth, anchor the tree, drawing strength from the very soil that nourishes it. This interplay between the tree's groundedness and its yearning for the sky mirrors the human condition, and our desire for connection while simultaneously grappling with the inherent loneliness of existence.
Jesih's masterful use of color further accentuates the painting's emotional depth. The stark black of the pine tree contrasts vividly with the warm, golden hues of the background, creating a sense of drama and tension. The contrast is not merely visual; it also represents the duality of human nature, the interplay between light and darkness, hope and despair.
The painting's title, "Black Pine Tree, Hommage a Srecko Kosovel," pays tribute to the Slovenian poet, whose works often delved into themes of loneliness, alienation, and death. The black pine, standing alone yet defiant, echoes Kosovel's exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of his introspective verses.
Dusa Jesih's "Black Pine Tree" is not merely a depiction of a solitary tree; it is a profound meditation on the human experience, a poignant reminder of our resilience and our inherent connection to the natural world. The painting invites contemplation and introspection, urging us to confront our vulnerabilities and celebrate our strength amidst the vastness of existence.
"Oh, black pine tree, so grand and bold,
Your story whispers, secrets untold.
A testament to resilience and might,
In a world where shadows often take flight." Dusa jesih, 2023
Dusa Jesih, 24/7, acrylic o mdf app. 10x60x90cm, 2023
IV. International Extempore Kras
Dusa Jesih, Nad in onkraj, Above and beyond, acrylic, mdf, led light, 100x110cm, 2023
LVIII. International Extempore Piran 2023
Dusa Jesih, Trophy, acrylic on canvas, 70x70 cm 2023
International Extempore Ptuj 2023
Trophy by Dusa Jesih is a dynamic and visually arresting acrylic painting that explores the complex relationship between the masculine and feminine through the lens of the hunting tradition. The painting is dominated by two bold colors: a fiery red and a shimmering gold. The red evokes the passion and excitement of the hunt, while the gold represents the prestige and victory of the trophy.
The geometric shapes in the painting are reminiscent of the antlers of a deer, but they are also suggestive of a female figure. This juxtaposition of the masculine and feminine is a recurring theme in Jesih's work, and it serves to highlight the complex and often contradictory ways in which women are perceived and objectified in society.
Trophy is a painting that is both symbolic and literal. On one level, it is a celebration of the hunting tradition, with its emphasis on skill, prowess, and victory. On another level, it is a commentary on the objectification of women and how they are often reduced to trophies to be claimed and displayed by men.
Dusa Jesih, Floating, acrylic on mdf, polipyich 110x120 cm, 2022
LVII. International Extempore Piran Grand Purchase Prize 2022
Dusa Jesih, Terra dei castellieri, acrylic on canvas, diptych, 2x 60x60 cm, Istra 2022
International Extempore Groznjan 2022
Dusa Jesih, “Ut’ule du tule, to maje, še pule pa križ”, acrylic on mdf, cca 65x65cm, 2022
International Extempore Kras Special Honour prize 2022
Dusa Jesih's Painting: A Nostalgic Journey to Tomaj Carse
Dusa Jesih's evocative painting "Ut'ule du tule, to maje, še pule pa križ" (From Here to There, a Carse story") transports the viewer to a place imbued with nostalgia and personal significance. Rendered in a black-and-white palette reminiscent of old films, the painting captures the essence of a beloved childhood landscape, the village of Tomaj, the birthplace of Slovenian poet Srečko Kosovel.
Jesih's brushstrokes weave a tapestry of memories, each stroke a testament to her deep connection to this special place. The painting's square format anchors the composition, symbolizing stability and the enduring presence of Tomaj Carse in the artist's heart.
The village itself emerges from the canvas like a cherished relic, its compact settlement of stone houses nestled atop a hill, overlooking a landscape both harsh and captivating. Jesih's masterful use of black and white evokes a sense of timelessness, as if the past and present converge in this idyllic scene.
"The Carse landscape has been imprinted on my memory since I was a child, going there with my mom, with her hippy friends," Jesih reminisces. The painting serves as a poignant tribute to these cherished memories, a visual ode to the formative experiences that shaped the artist's worldview.
The composition's simplicity belies its profound emotional depth. The village remains the focal point, drawing the viewer's gaze into its heart, while the surrounding landscape stretches out infinitely, hinting at the vastness of Jesih's connection to this place.
The painting's black-and-white palette lends an air of elegance and refinement, reminiscent of timeless photographs that immortalize moments in time. Jesih's skillful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, breathing life into the village and its environs.
Beyond its personal significance, Jesih's painting serves as a celebration of the Carse region, a tribute to its unique culture and the enduring spirit of its people. Tomaj Carse stands as a symbol of tradition and resilience, a place where the past lives on in the present.
Overall, Dusa Jesih's painting "Ut'ule du tule, to maje, še pule pa križ" (From Here to There, a Carse story") is a deeply moving and personal work of art that captures the essence of a beloved childhood landscape. It is a painting that invites viewers to embark on their nostalgic journeys, reawakening cherished memories of places that hold a special place in their hearts.
Dusa Jesih, Foothhills, acrilyc on canvas 70x70 cm, 2022
Dusa Jesih's painting "Foothills" is a profound and evocative work that captures the essence of Gorenjska, a Slovenian region deeply intertwined with the artist's roots and the legacy of Slovenian Impressionism. The painting's black and white (goldish yellow) palette, a signature style of Jesih's, creates a sense of intimacy and grandeur, reminiscent of old photographs that evoke cherished memories. The diagonally hung canvas adds a dynamic and unconventional element, inviting the viewer to engage with the painting from a fresh perspective.
The title, "Foothills," carries profound symbolism on multiple levels. It refers to the foothills of the Alps, which dominate the landscape of Gorenjska. However, the title also holds personal significance for Jesih, representing the region where her family's roots lie. Gorenjska, steeped in history and culture, has long been a haven for Slovenian Impressionists, and Jesih's painting pays homage to their artistic legacy.
The painting's composition is deceptively simple yet remarkably effective. The foothills, rendered in soft, hazy tones, occupy the foreground, while the majestic peaks of the Alps rise majestically in the background. This contrast creates a sense of depth and perspective, emphasizing the region's natural beauty and grandeur.
The interplay of light and shadow further enhances the painting's emotional depth. The foothills bask in a warm, golden glow, while the mountains are shrouded in shadows, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. This interplay of light and shadow is reminiscent of the techniques employed by Slovenian Impressionists, who skillfully captured the nuances of light and atmosphere in their landscapes.
Overall, Dusa Jesih's painting "Foothills" is a powerful and evocative tribute to Gorenjska, a region that holds deep significance for the artist both personally and artistically. The painting's black and white (goldish yellow) palette, its diagonal composition, and its interplay of light and shadow create a sense of intimacy, grandeur, and dynamism. Through this masterpiece, Jesih not only captures the essence of Gorenjska's natural beauty but also honors the legacy of Slovenian Impressionism and the region's role in her family's history.
Dusa Jesih, A Dream is just a dream, 70x70cm, 2022
International Extempore Bled 2022
Dusa Jesih's painting "A Dream Is Just a Dream" delves into the depths of oppression and the human spirit's struggle for liberation. Through a masterful blend of symbolic imagery and abstract expressionism, Jesih crafts a visual narrative that resonates with both personal and universal themes. The painting's central motif, a vortex of barbed wire, immediately evokes a sense of confinement and suffering. The sharp, jagged lines of the wire, rendered with Jesih's signature bold strokes, conjure up images of physical and psychological entrapment. The barbed wire's resemblance to a thorny crown further emphasizes the notion of pain and martyrdom, suggesting a connection to the subjugation and struggles faced by marginalized groups throughout history.
The painting's title, "A Dream Is Just a Dream," adds a layer of duality and complexity to the narrative. On one hand, the title could be interpreted as a bleak statement of resignation, suggesting that dreams and aspirations are mere illusions in the face of oppression. However, the painting's overall composition and Jesih's expressive brushwork convey a sense of resilience and hope that contradicts this interpretation.
Despite the somber undertones, the painting glimmers with points of light that pierce through the darkness. These luminous accents, often depicted in shades of yellow and orange, represent the indomitable spirit of hope that persists even in the darkest of times. They symbolize the possibility of breaking free from the shackles of oppression and achieving liberation, both for the individual and society as a whole.
Jesih's use of abstract expressionism further enhances the painting's emotional resonance. The bold colors and sharp shapes create a sense of raw energy and emotional turbulence, mirroring the turmoil of the human experience under oppression. The painting's lack of clear boundaries and defined forms allows for a subjective and personal interpretation, inviting the viewer to connect with their own experiences of struggle and resilience.
In conclusion, Dusa Jesih's painting "A Dream Is Just a Dream" is a powerful and poignant work that captures the essence of oppression and the human spirit's indomitable desire for freedom. Through its symbolic imagery, abstract expressionism, and duality of tone, the painting invites reflection on the universal themes of suffering, hope, and the liberation struggle. It is a work that speaks to the human experience on profound levels, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's consciousness.
Dusa Jesih, Kaleidoscope, Crystal clear I.&II., acrylic on canvas, 2x 70x70cm, 2022
The sharp shapes in the painting - a variety of geometric forms, such as triangles and squares, create a sense of structure and order. However, how these shapes are arranged is anything but orderly. Instead, they seem to be floating and dancing in space, creating a sense of wonder and excitement.
The painting's title also suggests that Jesih is interested in the duality of the human experience. The crystal landscape can be seen as a symbol of both beauty and fragility, while the kaleidoscope itself represents the power of transformation.
Dusa Jesih, Crucifix - Toward the rear | Homage | Malevich VS Popova, 2022
Dusa Jesih's “Crucifix": A Poignant Plea for Peace
Dusa Jesih's artwork "Crucifix - Toward the Rear | Homage - Malevich VS Popova" is a powerful and poignant commentary on the absurdity of violence and the inherent beauty of shared human connection. The diptych, consisting of two identical, one-meter-wide canvases, challenges viewers to confront the futility of conflict and embrace the universal language of art that transcends national boundaries.
The juxtaposition of the word "crucifix," evoking images of suffering and violence, with the word "homage," signifying respect and admiration, is a deliberate act of provocation. Jesih intends to confront the viewer with the stark contrast between the destructive nature of violence and the enduring power of respect and understanding. She believes that violence is a self-destructive force that ultimately isolates humanity, while shared human values and artistic expression can foster connection and unity.
The diptych's visual composition, with its two mirroring canvases and near-identical geometric forms, further reinforces Jesih's message of futility and interconnectedness. The mirroring effect, like a mirror reflecting itself, underscores the endless cycle of violence that traps humanity in a perpetual state of destruction. Yet, within this cycle, Jesih finds a glimmer of hope – the shared artistic heritage between Malevich and Popova, two pioneers of the avant-garde movement from opposing sides of a conflict-ridden region.
The homage to Malevich and Popova serves as a reminder that artistic expression can transcend national barriers, uniting people despite their differences. Jesih's artwork challenges us to question the artificial constructs of nationality and embrace the universal language of art that speaks to the shared humanity within us all.
In a world often consumed by conflict, Dusa Jesih's "Crucifix - Toward the Rear | Homage - Malevich VS Popova" stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that beauty and understanding can prevail over violence and division. Her artwork serves as a call to action, urging us to transcend our differences and embrace the interconnectedness that binds us all. By fostering respect and appreciation for the shared artistic heritage that transcends borders, we can create a more peaceful and harmonious world.