Jon Jaylo

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas, which is clear and taut. There are indications of minor wear and handling around the edges. However, the painting layers are stable and well preserved. Under ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of retouching. Unframed, on stretcher.
"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."

What if we could peek into the future or rewind back to the past, what circumstances or events in our lives would we want to change or alter? Jon Jaylo has implicitly poses this question in Forever. He has conveyed this notion through the departing train, hourglass and the numerous alarm clocks. The painting is in fact, based on a 2006 science-fiction anime film entitled The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (時をかける少女) – by Mamoru Hosoda, an adaptation of a 1967 Japanese classic novel, written by Yasutaka Tsutsui. The story narrates a compelling tale of friendship, love, and sacrifice between three young people, who were united and separated through time-travel.

Jon Jaylo depicts the personas of the three main characters in a surrealist composition of floating objects, only to emphasize the truth of reality – time waits for no one. The girl gazes into space, waiting to meet the boy from the future once again, while a hidden face watches her from behind, observing the time passing by. In Forever, the subject seems to be at a standstill, whilst the boy from the future appears to be skipping towards the viewer, almost bypassing his two companions from the present. The artist suggests the continuation of the future moving forward and all that is done will only move towards the past.