Jersey, December 16, 2024 – Jonathan LeVine Projects proudly presents Jupiter 4, a series of handmade, wooden sculptures by Vietnam-based artist Kumkum Fernando. This body of work continues the artist’s ongoing exploration of the connection between East Asian history and modern culture, while drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology, folktales, and Vietnam’s cultural reclamation.

Building on the themes of his previous series (Post Colonial Rainbow Punks), Jupiter 4 embarks on a new cosmic mission. While the Rainbow Punks were on a quest to find their lost princess, Izzah, these futuristic beings have arrived to introduce new sounds and revive creativity across the cosmos.

Music is an integral part of Fernando’s creative process, deeply influencing the tone and energy of his work. He often envisions a soundtrack accompanying each piece, seamlessly weaving personal experiences and diverse influences into rich and compelling narratives. Jupiter 4 continues this tradition; arriving from the far reaches of the galaxy, these vibrant and polished figures are on a mission to inspire creativity and awaken the cosmos with unheard melodies. The band, also known as the “Last Rockstars of the Milky Way,” consists of Daddy Ko Ko, Ukuna and Makuna, Michiko, and Bebi Gurl – Latha.

These sculptures are meticulously handmade in collaboration with traditional Vietnamese lacquer artisans. Each figure takes between two to three months to create. They are composed of individual blocks fixed together to form the character. The painting process is labor-intensive; each block is spray-painted and sanded repeatedly to achieve an almost flawless finish. Equal parts action figures and idols, these pieces embody a unique blend of mythology, speculative fiction and contemporary design.

Kumkum Fernando’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in his early childhood experiences and cultural heritage. Thousands of years of Sri Lankan culture inspire his work, from ornate temple paintings to folktales of portals that connect humanity to a vast underworld of gods, giants, ghosts, and demons. His early travels across Asia, where he visited Hindu and Buddhist temples, further shaped his fascination with vibrant colors, intricate customs, and timeless narratives. In his early teens, Kumkum discovered American and Japanese science fiction, noting striking similarities between Eastern philosophy and futuristic worlds in sci-fi literature. His work, blending fine art and design, has been exhibited in Singapore Art Museum, Miami Art Basel, Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, among many others, and has been featured in publications globally. Through his sculptures, Kumkum offers a vibrant realm where mythology, history, and memory seamlessly coexist.

Jonathan Levine Projects is committed to new and cutting-edge art. Its roots date back to 1995 when LeVine’s life-long participation in punk and underground music grew into a curatorial experiment with the visual culture that surrounded him. In 2005, he opened Jonathan LeVine Gallery in the Chelsea district of New York City and had great success nurturing the careers of many celebrated artists. In 2017, the gallery relocated to Jersey City with a newfound focus on community and collaboration. The renamed Jonathan LeVine Projects aims to create engaging programs and interesting partnerships beyond the traditional gallery space. With an eye towards honoring and connecting with the history and context of Post War art, Jonathan LeVine Projects explores the terrain of the high, the low and everything in between. In 2019, Jonathan LeVine Projects transitioned from a brick-and-mortar gallery to a virtual exhibition platform, spearheading a digital marketplace for fine art.info@jonathanlevineprojects.com.