"Masters of the Universe" series (2018-2019) is a compelling exploration of contemporary power through the lens of abstract portraiture. Each painting in this series captures not just the physical likeness of its subject, but excavates deeper truths about power, influence, and the forces that shape our world.
The series takes its title from the colloquial term for powerful figures in finance and media, but these portraits go far beyond simple representation. Through aggressive impasto technique and emotional color choices, each piece reveals something essential about its subject and their impact on society.
"Portrait - Charles Koch" stands out for its monumental quality. The heavily textured surface creates an almost geological formation of power, with those distinctive glasses rendered as dark voids – perhaps suggesting the opacity of corporate influence. The paint handling here is particularly masterful, with each layer building up like sedimentary layers of accumulated power.
"Portrait - Charles Koch". Oil on canvas. 30x22. 2018.
"Portrait - Ken Griffin" captivates through its use of color, particularly the electric blues and emerald greens that create an almost digital effect. This color choice brilliantly references the subject's connection to financial markets and algorithmic trading. The painting seems to pulse with the same energy as the market screens that define modern trading.
"Portrait - Ken Griffin". Oil on canvas. 20x16. 2018.
"Portrait - Robert Mercer" is perhaps the most psychologically penetrating of the series. The dark, absorbing eyes become portals into the mysterious world of data analytics and political influence. The fractured surface treatment suggests both the fragmentation of information and its reconstruction into power.
"Portrait - Robert Mercer". Oil on canvas. 48x36. 2018.
"Portrait - David Pecker" distinguishes itself through its raw, almost wounded surface treatment. The flesh tones appear corrupted or compromised, creating a powerful commentary on the relationship between media power and truth. The formal business attire below grounds these distortions in corporate reality.
"Portrait - David Pecker". Oil on canvas. 40x30. 2018.
"Portrait - John Paulson" stands out for its dramatic use of gold tones, a clever reference to the subject's famous gold market positions. The contrast between these aureate hues and the stark business attire below creates a compelling visual metaphor for the intersection of spectacular wealth and institutional power.
"Portrait - John Paulsen". Oil on canvas. 30x22. 2019.
What makes this series particularly impactful is how each portrait works both individually and as part of a larger narrative about power in our time. Together, they form a kind of rogue's gallery of influence, each figure emerging from darkness through Jeff's masterful handling of paint.
The heavily textured surfaces invite viewers to examine these figures closely, while the abstract elements maintain a certain distance – much like the subjects themselves, who shape our world while often remaining just out of clear public view.
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