Introduction | Paintings | Drawings | Collections | For Sale
Introduction | Paintings | Drawings | Collections | For Sale
Introduction
St. John "Jim" Earp, born in Sussex, England in 1937, is considered
to be one of the finest exponents of surrealist art. He was gifted with
a unique talent for creativity and a hereditary technique that stems from
a long line of Sussex artists, stretching back over 250 years. The fine
brushwork and minute detail of his paintings shows a superb technical accomplishment.
The visionary images in dreamlike landscapes clearly evoke a symbolism
- closely related to Freud's dream analysis and early psychological theory
of the twenties and thirties, the essence of early surrealism. The visual
impact is likened to a "Voyage of Discovery" and quite delightful to both
the modernist and traditionalist alike.
The association of his family with Augustus John and Wyndham Lewis and his own fascination for the Dutch Masters including Hieronymus Bosch brought about his own intellectual development which has led him to be considered "one of the most controversial artists of our age". His work depicting the dying Christ on a C. N. D. (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) cross presiding over a last supper on a disintegrating floor caused an uproar in the 1960's. Other works from that time "Genesis", "Apocalypse" and "Aftermath" are still thought provoking and relevant today. In later years, although remaining apocalyptical, the stark symbolism was replaced by a more subtle flavour and infused with humorous satire. Throughout his work the concept of "Birth out of decay" is the underlying theme.
Over the years the artist had a number of successful exhibitions in the UK and other countries of Europe. Many of his works have been acquired by private collectors and museums of art, especially in Holland where a particular affinity for his work can be found. Jim died in Brighton in 1990 after a long illness which reduced his output to 2 major works per year in his later years.
Paintings
"The Musician
- Oil Painting on canvas by St. John Earp
"Diogenes" -
Oil Painting on wood by St. John Earp (centre panel of triptych)
"Ship of Diogenes"
- Oil Painting by St. John Earp
"Doll in Flea Market"
- Oil on Wood by St. John Earp
"Philately" - Oil
Painting by St. John Earp
"House" - Oil Painting
by St. John Earp
Untitled - Untitled
Triptych -Triptych (Title?)
St.
John Earp with finished painting entitled "The Rat Race"
Drawings
"Pond Dwellers"
- Ball point pen drawing
Untitled work 1
Untitled work 2
Untitled work 3
Untitled work 4
Untitled work 5
Collections
Private collections-Private collections of the artist's work
For Sale
Works by St. John
Earp offered for sale
Philip Nash
Last update: December 2, 2001.
