Quelle Belle Grandeur (What a Nice Size)

Dual 12 ft. triptychs created for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Jonas Gerard’s art comes in all sizes.  His paintings can be found everywhere from cozy kitchen corners to large corporate boardrooms.  Creating large works of art is where his heart truly lies though.  His abstract, gestural painting style has its roots in the time he spent as a dancer with the Nikolais Dance Theater in the 60’s, and painting on a large canvas encourages his creativity much like a dancer dancing on a large stage.

Energetica – 72″x144″ triptych, acrylic on canvas
Reconnecting – 72″x144″ triptych, acrylic on canvas

When the impulse to work very large lights a spark and aligns with a beautiful space to hang grand works, magic happens.  Such a convergence is responsible for an illuminating display of new art at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

During a recent trip to the Visitor Center, Jonas became inspired by the building’s architecture, geometry, light and purpose.

The result is two new 12 ft. triptych (3-panel) paintings created expressly for that space.

“When I was a young boy coming to America for the first time, I was greeted by the Statue of Liberty” said Jonas. “A place to greet visitors brings back warm memories, and creating these paintings is a way for me to again say thank you to a place that welcomed me, this time Asheville, NC.”

The grand viewing for these works was held on May 28, 2013 at 5:30pm at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC where they are currently on display along with other of Jonas’ creations throughout the building.

Want to learn more? Jonas was recently interviewed by Rapid River Magazine about these paintings.