Jimmy Pons discovered his medium of choice during a holiday on the beaches of Spain. He began to pick up the remnants of oil spills and oil tankers dumped at sea. He picked up these sticky bits of tar which stuck to his feet and hands while others sunbathed. When he went home to wash up with gasoline, he discovered that the "tar biscuits" ranged in color from creams to browns to black. The colors inspired him to do something good with something so awful.
He began to paint what he refers to as "Petrol Art" under the name of Chapapoman which means tar in Spanish. He combines geometric and primitive references within the colors of the tar to create a look which is very distinguishable from many of his contemporaries. His paintings often refer back to nature in the shape of animal forms which contrasts greatly with his chosen medium. These are the very animals that are so effected by the pollution of the beaches and oceans. There is a wry sense of irony evoked in the viewer at the contrasting views of his paintings.
Chapapoman is what I would consider a true revolutionist. Instead of fighting against pollution, irresponsible dumping and inadequate clean-up, he has taken this disgusting form of pollution and turned it into something positive. He has taken these cast offs and used them to point out the obvious -- that something must be done.
On occasion, his paintings feature oil wells spewing oil everywhere. Work like this highlights a problem and encourages discussion. Even if the paintings are not pleasing to every one's eye, they are thought provoking. He has taken upcycling to a whole new level. Chapapoman has taken something very negative and turned it into a positive!
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Dear Paula, Thank you very much for your words.
Yes Like you, I do my art work because I’ve a 5 years old kid and also I want to live a better world for him too. My Regards from Spain. Jimmy Pons
I’m glad you liked the article Mr. Pons. I think that more people really need to sit up and start paying attention to the impact that they are having on the planet that we all share. The mess we are leaving our kids with is unforgiveable.
Keep up the great work! My regards from Canada.
Paula
You really inspire! I have 2 kids 9 and 11 years of age, and I must say I do feel I should show them how to save the earth more. Your articles are an inspiration and brings new ideas to all of us! Thank you.
Christi Rolland
Thanks Christi!!! I actually asked my husband if he wrote your comment incognito it was so sweet. My kids are 14 and 3. The best way to teach kids about our planet is to role model responsible living. I teach my kids that each action is a step in the right direction and all the tiny steps lead to giant leaps. I also believe in spending lots of time outdoors to develop a love of nature. Thanks again!
P
Very inspiring Mr. Pons. You have created something beautiful out of something very ugly indeed. I have two kids too. One is 5 and one is 8. Thank you for what you do.
I am very impressed with your art, Jimmy! Just wanted to let you know!
Renoir’s Color Mixing: “He always mixed his colors on the canvas. He was very careful to keep an impression of transparency in his picture throughout the different phases of the work … he worked on the whole surface of his canvas [and] the motif gradually emerged from the seeming confusion, with each brushstroke.” — Jean Renoir
I am writing you because I am developing a website called Eco1st Art.com and it will look like 1st Dibs.com. My inspiration is Jane Goodall, Ed Begley and Pierce Brosnan “who have endorsed us”to only present recycled art and objects at a very high end level. My clients would be the persons that shop at Asprey’s or Museums.
Very candidly, I would like to present your work …..Please look at 1st dibs and let me know what you think.
Thank you,
Janeen