Principle Gallery

Jeremy Mann is an inventive oil painter and creator, charging into each new endeavor with the energy of a thousand horses and a mind open as the sky. We are pleased to represent the works of such an artist at Principle Gallery. Alongside his paintings, we carry a variety of his books which come in all shapes and sizes. The big kahunas, MANN Vol. 1 and MANN Vol. 2, measure a square foot, and both are around 400 pages chock full of high-resolution images, detail shots, and priceless insight into Mann’s process. Both Mann’s Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are black hardcover books embossed with a glossy title and red rabbit 7 icons on the spine, over this is a dust jacket featuring exquisite works. Mann’s goal with the volumes is to deliver a great deal of his works in as much detail as possible, allowing readers to digest the works akin to seeing them in person.

VOL. 1

Published in 2015, Vol. 1 contains an introduction and foreword from peers, a glimpse into his studio and darkroom, a plethora of paintings, and closes with a four-page author’s note. Readers are guided through the breadth of Mann’s skills in oil painting. It encompasses cityscapes, landscapes, figures, animals, still lives, and his black and white compositions interspersed with behind-the-scenes photos. We are invited to appreciate a medley of textures, color palettes, and the fleeting nature of time and light through Mann’s creative eye. There is always something new to notice each time you peruse the book.

Through Vol. 1, Mann tells us about the influence music has on him and expounds on the freedom of expression the privacy of his studio gives him. He shares his goals in creating figure drawings and gives insight into his work with the models. An innovator at heart, his use of photoshoots allows him to explore his love for tinkering by modifying antique film cameras. He tells us his favorite critique of his cityscapes and reveals the private conversations he has with the city.

VOL. 2

Published in 2017, Vol. 2 includes two essays, a plethora of paintings, photos, and even five videos! With his career largely centered on his figures and cityscapes it is a very special treat to see such a vast collection of his works paired with some of his photo references. Mann features a spread of his 5 handmade cameras and lenses produced from spare parts. Another interesting aspect that further solidifies Mann as a multidisciplinary artist is the four videos he created, included with the use of QR codes. A fifth video documents Mann’s day-to-day life as a creator produced by Loic Zimmerman. The book then closes with 7 select interviews between 2015 and 2017 from magazines and journalists worldwide.

The interviews in Vol. 2 give readers an abundant idea of Mann’s upbringing, interests, and philosophy. Questions come from art magazines and independent journalists in America, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom like Beautiful Bizzare, Tripwire UK, Pratique des Arts, and more. Readers see him grow even over the few years the interviews occur. Through them, we gain an authentic understanding of the person behind the art; from reflecting on childhood escapades to exploring his curious relationship with animals and gleaning the advice he would give his younger self. Topics also include influences from art history, material choices, photography methods, making short films, color palette selections, and more!

Mann’s success is a byproduct of his all-encompassing dedication to living and breathing art. Vol 2’s interviews give us a glimpse into the daily life of a true contemporary artist. He opens up about his relationship with art history, how materials are decided, his varied approaches to different genres, and the effect plein air has on his cityscapes and figures. More personally, he discusses where his inspiration comes from, the challenges he faces, and the delineation between model and muse.

These Volumes contain the largest compilation of his works and ideas in detail. Full of magnificent paintings and inspiring nuggets, any artist, art lover, or fan of Mann’s will appreciate it. We have his sketchbooks and plein air books too, read about them in our other blogs! Better yet, feel free to come into the gallery and flip through the books on display, much like art, they’re always better in person. All Mann books are available to purchase in the gallery or on Jeremy Mann’s website. We would also be able to take an order over the phone or through email.

Thank you for reading!