Jaime Pacena II

The painting is in good condition, as is the canvas, which is clear and taut. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no indication of retouching. The paint layers are intact.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Blown, by Jaime "Jay" Pacena II, is a multilayered, mixed media work that combines digital manipulation, illustration, and painting. His 21st-century approach to abstraction involves analog equivalents of principles found in contemporary imaging software. Pacena takes an image he digitally composed and then creates its layers, textures, transparencies and opacities by hand with materials such as acrylic, silver leaf, and pastel.

At the very base of Blown is the photograph of a girl—face obscured, hair tossed by the wind— surrounded by a riot of geometric shapes. Pacena deconstructs this layer by dripping paint over it, a gestural process that obscures the image with a haze of white and establishes a tangible relationship between the artist and the artwork.

The girl recedes into the background as other elements are added to the picture: at the very heart of the piece is the single word "Implode" encircled in red; and from this center, subtle green triangles swirl out to the corner of the canvas. The scattershot fragments assembled together like puzzle pieces are symbolic of Blown's message, which is one of catharsis and letting go. The wild freedom and ebullience of Pacena's creative process magnifies his message and stands as proof that traditional and contemporary techniques can be wed on one canvas.