FAIRY TALES FOR ADULTS
Stories of our time I - 2019
Real Stories of us:
“As an artist, I am obliged to capture the behaviors and events of our society as journalists do. Inspired by fairy tales and following the work of old masters, was born this collection: "Stories of our time" Fairy Tales for Adults. Part I"
The 21st century is at a very interesting, and at the same time, a complicated stage. A world with advancements in many spheres bring us at the same time disadvantages galore and changes in social behaviors. Life in solitude, wars and weapons, the mass extinction of animals, the sexism and racism that still exist, and how social media are creating new versions of ourselves: these are some of the themes that the artist represents in these works.
“The stories they tell us weren’t always the real version, which is why, together we’ll know truth”
The Stories behind the Collection:
Jc Trouboul collects mistakes and successes from old masters. He takes the trick proportions that were used in the Renaissance. To achieve a harmony in the pictorial composition, he uses the pallets of the schools of Venice and Florence. Given that Jc Trouboul was born in Barcelona, as Architect Antoni Gaudi characterizes a three-dimensional point of view and his architecture studies made him understand space in the form of volumes.
This first part of the “Stories of our time” collection is represented by ten paintings in a vertical format. Characterized by the use of palettes of different light shades inspired by the Catalan modernism style, and associated with the emotions of the matter. In these works, we find a central rectangle associated with the sequence of the movie "Odyssey in Space 2001", when the monkeys find the monolith. In this case, we are the monkeys and the monolith is represented by different stories of our time. The artist is inspired by the showcases of the Metropolitan Museum of NY to represent each work as a kind of sculpture or pedestal, as seen by the viewer from outside.
The Story Behind Each Artwork:
“ Every artwork should have a story, a concept, a context and feelings that touch the soul. Otherwise is just decoration.” - Jc Trouboul
“My little seven people and a bad bitch”
Mixed media. 2019
60” x 48” / 152 x 122 cm
The painting is inspired by the classic fairy tale Snow White and combines Renaissance composition rules with exaggerated features of Japanese manga characters. The painting depicts a dramatic scene from the fairy tale with a poisoned apple, surrounded by seven smurfs, and a warning bird. The use of colors creates a triangulation effect, drawing the viewer’s eye to the central drama. Overall, the painting explores the themes of temptation, innocence, and group protection, and is a thought-provoking and captivating piece of art.
FAMILY.
“I woke up like this”
Mixed media. 2019
60” x 48” / 152 x 122 cm
"I Woke Up Like This" is a contemporary painting inspired by the classic fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty, with a modern twist that speaks to the current social media age. The painting features a woman lying on a red velvet divan sofa, dressed in a dreamy white dress, evoking the imagery of Sleeping Beauty. The painting uses soft pastel colors to create a dream-like atmosphere. However, what sets this painting apart from traditional depictions of Sleeping Beauty is the way it represents social media today. The woman's pose and expression suggest that she is taking a selfie or recording herself, as if she is trying to project a perfect image of herself to her “future prince”, even as she lies there in an unguarded moment. The painting raises questions about the pressure to present a curated image of oneself on social media and the tension between this idealized self and one's true self. Overall, "I Woke Up Like This" is a thought-provoking and relevant piece that combines classic fairy tale imagery with contemporary themes.
SEDUCTION.
“The girl that couldn't talk”
Mixed media. 2019
60” x 48” / 152 x 122 cm
"The Girl That Talked" is a contemporary painting that draws inspiration from the classic fairy tale of the Little Mermaid. The painting features a girl seated on a stone, surrounded by elements that evoke the sea atmosphere, such as shells, fishes and seaweed. The girl is dressed in a light pastel blue, reminiscent of the colors of the sea. However, the story that the painting tells is different from the traditional fairy tale. This girl represents a modern-day princess who refuses to leave her family and friends for a prince, and instead seeks to find a middle ground where both can coexist. She is out of the water but still connected to it, symbolizing the idea of being able to navigate both worlds. In the painting, she has the power to talk, representing her agency and voice in determining her own fate. "The Girl That Talked" is a powerful reminder that women have the power to make their own choices and shape their own destinies, while also acknowledging the importance of finding balance and compromise in relationships.
FREEDOM.
“My pussy tastes like American cola”
Mixed media. 2019
60” x 48” / 152 x 122 cm
"My Pussy Tastes Like American Cola" is a contemporary painting inspired by the classic fairy tale of Pocahontas. The painting depicts a confident Native American woman in a striking pose, with her blue hair evoking the use of blue in royal characters during the Renaissance era. The background palette uses orange and beige tones that evoke the culture of Native Americans.
The woman wears a golden mask, symbolizing her power and wealth. At the same time, her legs are shown as both the legs of a cooked turkey, that are strangling a blond famous politician, while he is leaking the turkey apple that appears as pixelated, representing censorship. This image creates a sharp satire, with the woman in control of the situation rather than being submissive. The painting challenges traditional power structures, presenting a woman who is not afraid to take control and subvert expectations.
POWER.
“On duty and the breast”
Mixed media. 2019
84” x 60” / 213 x 152 cm
This contemporary painting by a Spanish artist was inspired by Jan Van Eyck’s Netherlandish painting, "The Arnolfini Portrait". The artist aimed to create a modern version of the painting, which tells the true love story of a real couple from our time. He is a veteran soldier who lost his leg, while she lost her breast to cancer. Drawing on the classic fairy tale of “Beauty and the Beast”, this artwork represents Diplomacy vs War, Health vs modern industry, and Love vs Pain.
The vertical painting features a perspective that leads to a white wall, symbolizing peace. There is a mirror in the painting that appears to reflect the painter and the couple, but it actually reflects the viewers. In the figures, the couple did not hold hands, suggesting that they needed to appear strong to the public eye. However, in the shadow they project, we can see that they are holding hands, showing the strength of a real couple.
LOVE.
“Last Dance”
Mixed media. 2019
84” x 60” / 213 x 152 cm
The contemporary painting "Last Dance" takes inspiration from the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. The vertical picture showcases a woman in a pastel blue dress, reminiscent of the color palette used for women in the Renaissance era. She is standing on a podium, preparing to attend a grand party, which in our contemporary world would be the Met Gala. However, her dress is torn and leaking over doves, symbolizing the presence of journalists and critics who are eagerly waiting to critique the celebrity.
On the left side of the painting, we see the fairy mother, donning a golden crown, representing the fashion designer of today's world. The artist made this artwork in November 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to spread, and the painting anticipates that people will have to wear masks in the future. Therefore, Cinderella is wearing a curtain mask made of diamonds, adding a touch of glamour to this contemporary twist on the fairy tale. The painting captures the essence of modern-day celebrity culture and its relationship with fashion, media, and the public.
AUTHENTIC.
“Hope”
Mixed media. 2019
84” x 60” / 213 x 152 cm
"Hope" is a contemporary painting that reflects on the dark side of humanity through a hypothetical extra-terrestrial perspective. It depicts a world where the most intelligent species subdues and exterminates weaker ones, including those from their own species. Though horrifying to think about, it serves as a poignant reflection of our own human world.
Jc Trouboul, the artist behind "Hope", was inspired by the magnificent beauty of Renaissance paintings during a trip to Italy. The painting is particularly influenced by "The Assumption of the Virgin" by Titian. The first row of the painting portrays a wounded deer, “Bambi” followed by various animal shapes representing endangered species that are piling up. Behind them, weapons are rising, symbolizing the destructive actions of humanity. The painting does not depict an assumption, but instead a yellow-orange sunset with a squared sunshine, representing the limited time we have before darkness prevails.
Through its haunting imagery and thought-provoking message, "Hope" challenges us to reflect on our impact on the world and the importance of taking action to protect endangered species and prevent the spread of darkness.
ACTION.
Jc Trouboul in his studio. London 2019