Jason Boyd Kinsella, a Toronto-born artist now based in Oslo, has unveiled his latest collection of striking portrait paintings that transform abstract shapes into deeply expressive human characters. His newest body of work, titled "Alchemy of the Eternal Self," showcases his remarkable ability to capture complex human emotions through geometric forms and bold colors, continuing his exploration of what he calls the building blocks of our inner lives.
The artist, who describes himself as "a collector of things at heart," demonstrates an exceptional talent for assembling shapes and colors in ways that reveal profound human truths. His large-scale paintings, many standing several feet tall, feature geometric figures that tower over most viewers, creating an imposing yet inviting presence that demands attention. These bold personalities seem to emerge from the canvas, encouraging direct engagement between the artwork and observer.
One of the standout pieces in the series is "Luna" (2025), an oil on canvas work measuring 104 x 124 centimeters. The painting depicts a hunched character with a sleek white bob haircut and a perpetual frown, whose elongated fingers stretch toward the ground as she turns to gaze beyond the frame. This particular work demonstrates Kinsella's expanded focus on body language in addition to facial expressions, showing how physical posture can communicate emotion as powerfully as any facial feature.
Kinsella draws inspiration from art history, particularly referencing Jean-François Millet's famous 1857 painting "The Gleaners" for Luna's distinctive bent posture. Millet's original large-scale work was groundbreaking for its sympathetic portrayal of the working class and its recognition of their essential labor. By incorporating this historical reference, Kinsella creates a bridge between past and present, connecting timeless human experiences across centuries.
The exhibition features several other notable works, including "Chris" (2025), a large oil on canvas measuring 189 x 159 centimeters, "Graham" (2025) at 109 x 89 centimeters, "Helen" (2025) measuring 159 x 134 centimeters, "Freddy" (2025) in a square format of 184 x 184 centimeters, and "Paula" (2025) at 189 x 159 centimeters. Each piece maintains Kinsella's signature style of transforming geometric abstractions into recognizable human personalities.
Through his Cubist-inspired approach, Kinsella creates what he calls a puzzle of "both the timely and enduring," encouraging viewers to find connections across his portraits. His work suggests that despite our apparent differences, humans share what he terms "the same emotional DNA" – a universal foundation of feelings and expressions that transcend individual circumstances and appearances.
"Alchemy of the Eternal Self" is currently on display at Perrotin gallery in Shanghai through October 24, 2025. Art enthusiasts can follow Kinsella's ongoing work through his official website and Instagram account, where he regularly shares updates about his artistic process and upcoming exhibitions.
