James Gilbert

“Unknown”

limited edition of 5

image size 8” x 10”

Frame size": 13.5” x 15.5”

Each artwork comes matted and framed, with a certificate of authenticity.

Prints are created using archival pigment inks and printed on heavy weight Hahnemuhle etching paper.

$250. each

Call to schedule pick up from Vita Art Center or to arrange a shipment. Shipping fees will be charged separately.

805-644-9214.

All proceeds from the sale of Vita Art Editions support our youth art programs.

James Gilbert is a Los Angeles-based artist whose work lies at the intersection of enduring narratives, spanning historical epochs and contemporary realities, addressing persistent challenges without easy resolutions. His artistic practice involves creating work in substantial quantities with subtle variations, akin to an anthropological study, extracting themes that encapsulate human-created dilemmas without straightforward solutions.

Guided by a profound commitment to exploring the multifaceted territory of sculpture, installation, and drawing, Gilbert’s practice defies conventional boundaries. It incorporates a rich variety of materials and techniques, with a primary focus on fostering socially responsible ideas and stimulating meaningful conversations about pressing issues. His process is rooted in a philosophical sense of responsibility—to himself, his audience, and the community, addressing injustice, tending to the environment, and embracing the human experience.

Gilbert selects materials like wood, industrial plastic sheeting, fabric, and plaster for their metaphorical significance, considering their connotations of time, aging, rejuvenation, authenticity, and artificiality. He embraces material imperfections, commemorating the inherent flaws of humanity, and uses labor-intensive hand tools that leave visible marks, enhancing the authenticity of his pieces.

His work addresses complex and often disheartening subjects, such as sorrow, loneliness, and discomfort, with a blend of humor, humility, and respect. Through witty forms and a light-hearted palette, he makes these issues visually accessible. Amidst the challenges of social and racial injustice, political discord, and environmental concerns, Gilbert balances these with the potential for compassion, generosity, and goodwill, underscoring the complexity of our shared history.

Gilbert's work continues to provoke thought and dialogue, urging us to consider our roles within historical and contemporary cultural contexts. His exploration of identity, social responsibility, and the human experience remains a testament to the enduring power of art to address complex societal issues.