Jason McLean

Primarily created in London, Ontario at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, As Seen on TV showcases the colorful dynamics of retrospection. The autobiographical nature of Jason McLean’s exhibition references familial interactions, economic situations, and mental health, remarking on the refined freedom that comes with pondering the phenomena of time and mortality. When the circumstances of the world urged us to turn inward and succumb to darkness, McLean brightened his color palette. Having created this body of work outside of New York City, Jason took advantage of the spatial freedom of his Canadian studio and worked on multiple pieces at once, merging colors and textures across different works. Taking a personal outlook on staying grounded and easing up the pace of things, McLean combines his artistic individuality with the all-too-familiar everyday undertakings of human existence. His pieces stand as a ubiquitous metaphor for the clarity that comes with slowing down and stepping back to see the bigger picture.

Jason McLean remarks that his art is “an escape [from] the woes of life.” His work is equal parts stream-of-consciousness and diaristic, something he refers to as “mind mapping.” The convivial elements of “As Seen on TV” augment his unique style, bringing together disparate objects and concepts to form a cohesive whole.

Van Der Plas Gallery is pleased to present an Experimental Animation Night on November 12th, 2021 at 7pm. The program runtime is 47 minutes. This event will be taking place in conjunction with Jason McLean’s solo exhibition, As Seen on TV.

Jason McLean (b. 1971) was born in London, ON. He studied art at the H.B. Beal Secondary School during his formative high school years. In 1997, McLean graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver with a BFA. McLean has exhibited both nationally and internationally, including shows at The National Gallery of Canada, The Vancouver Art Gallery, Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa in Venice, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Loyal Gallery in Malmo Sweden, Richard Heller Gallery in Santa Monica, Franklin Parrish Gallery, and Zieher Smith Gallery in New York City. The artist also has work in a variety of major collections throughout North America including the Museum of Modern Art, Vancouver Art Gallery, Bank of Montreal Collection, and the Royal Bank of Canada.