“My mission is to transmit the concept of power architectural composition through the use of depth, light and vibrant colours. By lending my personal interpretation of modernism as abstract, futuristic and neo-dynamic with geometric shapes,” says Los Angeles-based painter Jessus Hernandez, “I create multiple perspective illusions that offer a warm touch over the hard edges, making it playful and aesthetically pleasant.” His art consists of bold and bright lines and shapes of solid colours being projected towards the viewer from a distant point, an effect that calls to mind the famous Star Gate Sequence of the epic science fiction film 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

“Through my art,” continues the painter, “I want to bring a message of peace and happiness to the world and I want people to realise that this planet is still a beautiful place to live in.”

A self-taught artist, Jessus has been inspired by the painters Rembrandt, Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, José Clemente Orozco, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, among others. Frank Gehry and John Lautner are two architects he admires. It was an exhibition on Cubism that motivated him to paint for the first time. His favourite quote comes from Picasso, the Cubist pioneer – “Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working.” As Jessus puts this to practice, he absorbs much from the diversity and spirit of California. “The City of Los Angeles influences my work all the time,” he says. “One of my visions is to recreate what I observe in my daily life in these ever-changing surroundings. Its busy streets full of motion and the vivid graffiti on the walls against the contrasting background made up of radiant sunlight. I must say, everyday is a great day to create in LA.”

Images used with permission.