Before Jon Edgley’s solo exhibition ‘smile and wave’ I had never seen any of his work before, this exhibition was my first impression of him both an artist and a person. My immediate instinct was that although his work had an underlying sense of sadness, he was able to also portray a more playful tone through his drawings aided by the interesting cardboard floor he had put down in the gallery. I like how here he has made art with some more basic materials, e.g. carboard, pen etc. But is still able to convey his deeper message, showing that sometimes the talent of an artist can be shown in a simpler manner.
Although the works on display were of the same medium, each one is individual and unique with its own story and personality. I liked especially that he had made a large cardboard booklet to come alongside the exhibition as well as a small sketchbook that conveyed what he called his ‘private thoughts for public viewing’. His depictions of human form range from more detailed drawings to simple shapes and facial expressions. I like how he so distinctly expresses the deep emotional parts of his feelings through his works, discussing mental health through his drawings of different characters with interesting facial expressions and different body language. The simplicity of the pieces works well whilst some writing on certain pieces creates a different dimension to his work, I’m glad he has not decided to use words on all the pieces. Although there is a feeling of gloom over many of the works, the way he chooses to depict these feelings in a more humorous, playful way meant that although the work brings light to the negative feelings many may feel it also was a joy to view.
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