So Much 'JOY' in a Small Painting | Cey Adams' "Joy" Painting at New River Fine Art

“Joy” by Cey Adams, exhibits many of the hallmark techniques of the artist's oeuvre: the use of collage with vibrant, expressive text superimposed on top. The artwork is undeniably anchored by the word "JOY" painted in a bold, graffiti-like style, which immediately commands the viewer's attention with its fluid, dynamic form that contrasts against the fragmented background.

 The collage elements behind the text are a medley of disparate objects and papers, each contributing its own texture and color to the canvas. We can see pieces of what appear to be currency, drawing a parallel between the commercial value and the intangible value of joy. There is also a hint of a movie poster from Jugez-les bien (1961), from Élysée Films peeking through, pointing to aspects of the complicated film narrative or our overall theatrical aspects of life. 

 A dark red element with a leaf-like pattern adds an organic touch to the composition, contrasting with the man-made and historical artifacts around it. Additionally, there's the inclusion of a gold leaf, a repeating element seen in the previous artwork, a signature material for Adams, representing something precious, valuable, and timeless.

 On the top left corner, there is a fragment of the Argentine Pesos 20 banknote.   The presence of such an item speaks of themes of global commerce, the movement of goods, people, and ideas across borders. The use of international artifacts implies the universal nature of joy and how it transcends cultural and economic differences.

 The use of postal stamps reinforces this idea of connectivity and communication. Stamps are symbols of travel and exchange, and their presence cements the idea of the artist discussing the transmission of joy through shared experiences and correspondence.

The word "JOY" itself, dominating the visual space, is painted with a silver-to-gray gradient, giving it a metallic sheen that stands out against the warmer, softer colors of the background. The lettering style is reminiscent of street art, which often carries connotations of resistance, identity, and the reclaiming of public spaces.

 Adams’ use of layering and text in this artwork read as a metaphor for the complexity of emotions and the multifaceted nature of joy. The act of superimposing the word “JOY” over these deliberate layers can be seen as a statement on the overriding power of positive emotions or the simplicity of joy that cuts through the complexity of life’s collage.

 More information on "JOY" by Cey Adams can be found at www.newriverfineart.com or by calling New River Fine Art at 954-524-2100

 Image:

Cey Adams (b. 1962)

Joy, 2023

Mixed media collage on heavyweight watercolor paper

12 x 12 in