Dear reader,
I’m delighted to share something exciting to look forward to in the grey early weeks of January. My first digital exhibition at the quintessentially Parisian illustration gallery Un Jour Une Illustration from January 6th-February 24th, 2024, conveniently in the shadow of Notre Dame La Tour Eiffel.
As I was pulling from my archives and painting some of the new watercolor paintings in this special collection of over 70 illustrations inspired by Paris, I can’t help but ask myself how my work has become dedicated to my adopted hometown. I’ve been drawing its many clichés and intricacies for almost 15 years. Was I always a fan? Not really. Paris has become “home” but it doesn’t mean I use that term lightly.
I know much better now than to quote such an intro-to-Paris movie like Paris Je T’aime, but there is a short film by Isabel Coixet inspired by Bastille where a man is about to tell his wife he’s been having an affair but she beats him with the news that she has terminal cancer. His plans go completely out of the window as he cares for his ailing wife in her last days. He says something along the lines of “to fall in love with someone, pretend you’re in love with someone.” This is very much my feeling about Paris. The longer I am here, the deeper I understand it, its many nuances/discomforts/wonders and a deeper understanding of myself to truly enjoy it.
In any case, you’re invited to the official reception on January 13th from 15h-18h at Un Jour Une Illustration, 3 rue Augereau 75007 Paris. Come see the originals, have a chat, drink a glass and celebrate.
Stay inspired, dear reader. And don’t drink the watercolor water. -jkw
P.S. Any questions about the process of putting together the exhibition? Add your questions in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap.