JASON'S BIO

JASON FESEL, born and raised in New York City, is a self-taught abstract painter now residing in Los Angeles. As a DGA Assistant Director FESEL garnered multiple award nominations alongside directors such as Steven Soderbergh and David O’Russell, with over 65 films to his credit. After surviving a rare aggressive cancer and possible paralysis, he changed courses creatively for a paintbrush just five years ago. Reviewed in the NY Post, notable works include “The Magic Man” (Martin Scorsese, private collection) Lynette’s Ladder to Space (Lynette Howell Taylor, private collection).

#RIOTAMERIKA: A George Floyd Story

40" x 40" x 1.5" 2020 Pine, Cotton Canvas, Oil.
Now Showing at Kraine Gallery in Miami, FL

America stood ripe with growing political frustration as the Covid 19 pandemic swept the globe. Trapped in our homes isolated and scared, then it happened. George Floyd’s tragic death was the match that lit the country on fire. From the 9 o’clock position follow the narrative counterclockwise until we land on the centerpiece, knee on neck. #RIOTAMERIKA composed of sharp stabbing edges filled with the red of blood, blue police lines and the gold of bullets, this painting’s palette represents the mood of the times. Strong decisive brush strokes and impasto throughout the canvas add to the heaviness of the moment. Paint chips breaking off at the edges help to fully accentuate that sentiment.

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LACES

30” x 48” x 1.5” 2022 Pine, Canvas, Oil, Gloss Varnish
Now Showing at Kraine Gallery in Miami, FL

My 1st love affair with disco house didn’t begin at infamous OG NYC clubs, like The Limelight and The Tunnel, where I spent my teens breakdancing till sunrise. No. It began at Laces, a notorious skate ring, where I spent my childhood. Starting in the top left corner and moving clockwise, our folks would drop us off till sundown. Zooming around hardwood floors while the glow of arcades and neon lights lit our “soon to not be” innocent faces. The popping color pallet matches the unbelievable vibe and cherished memory. More so, it captures the undeniable energy. A loving shoutout to Warhol and any video game enthusiast.

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BE LIKE WATER

36” x 60” x 1.5", Oils, Cotton Canvas, Pine, Satin Varnish
Now Showing at Kraine Gallery in Miami, FL

Elaborate games of make believe ruled my existence as a child. Some days I was Luke Skywalker, while other days I was Superman, but often, I was BRUCE LEE. My 1st Portrait Piece, “BE LIKE WATER” tells his story. The palette inspired by Hong Kong vibes of deep red, golds, electrifying yellows and velvety blues/blacks. A pitcher, filled with San Frans’ Golden Gate Bridge references Bruce’s birthplace, pouring into a cup to form a face through a touch of surrealism. “You pour water into a cup and it becomes the cup”.

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THE WAY THERE

36” x 60” x 1.5” 2022 Pine, Canvas, Oil, Satin Varnish
Now Showing at Kraine Gallery in Miami, FL

Finding the secret ”party” location in early 90s never went as planned. The underground rave culture had become the new “heavy metal”, the new “hip hop”. Local city authorities tried to swiftly put an end to the growing scene which, in turn, found creative ways trying to hide. It was the anti-establishment of the time. In the end we always found the party and danced till sunrise but ”The Way There” proved to be an adventure onto itself.

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SUMMA CEE'LO

24” x 30” x 1”, Oils, Panel, Satin Varnish
Now Showing at Kraine Gallery in Miami, FL

The painting that ignited my journey with a brush. Inspired by my never-ending love affair with New York City, “Summa Cee’ Lo” aims to capture the energy, hustle and special vibe the streets always seem to deliver. It does just that!

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