Fathoming Jack McConville’s artistic personality thanks to our proustian questionnaire
Last month, on the occasion of his solo at the Still House in New York City, we published an analysis of one of his paintings pointing out the richness of his pictorial language. Now Jack McConville – 1984, Edinburg – replies to our Proustian questionnaire providing some new essential elements for a deeper understanding of his enigmatic personality.
Which is your favourite subject?
Eros. Nothing breaths without it.
Do you believe in abstraction?
Belief is something I can do without, so fundamentally, no. It is empty form, which makes it particularly amenable to markets and can also be mistaken for metaphysical depth. With someone like Rothko who clearly gave a shit I can get into it, but that’s pretty rare to find, especially at a remove from that historical context. Personally, I’m bored watching myself paint an abstraction, I would prefer not to do it. Too arbitrary.
Which is the most inspiring place for you?
Delos.
Which is the quality you prefer in an art dealer?
Trust.
Which one in a collector?
Belief.
Who is your favourite artist?
Flaubert.
Is there any colour or shape you really hate?
What makes an idea become an artwork?
Focused attention. You probably have to at least mention it to someone as well.
Which novel is better comparable to your idea of art?
The Temptation of Saint Antony by Flaubert.
Which song or kind of music?
In my dreams, Grace Jones, In reality, probably Dolly Parton.
What would you have done if you were not an artist?
I could have been a contender.
January 31, 2019
