John William Bailly's 6th of January: Art of Hope and Discord

John William Bailly
06 January 2021, 2021
Oil on canvas
86 x 118 inches / 220 x 300 centimeters
Collection of Perez Art Museum Miami
Museum Acquisition with funds provided by Bonnie & Peter Dockter

“The beauty and importance of ‘6th of January, 2021,'(2021) is the ability to translate a historically important event through an artistic display of two opposing emotions – hope and discord – creating space for a meaningful story to be told. Through this piece, John highlights the greater importance of dialogue amidst trying times,” notes LnS GALLERY co-director, Sergio Cernuda

An artist sits in a studio surrounded by various artworks, discussing his work in front of a large colorful mural. Cameras are set up to record the session, with paint supplies and tools scattered on the table. — Bailly explaining “06 January 2021” in the Power House studio at the Deering Estate (Photo by Jacek Kolasinski/CC BY 4.0)

“Bailly displays the tensions launched through the insurrection on the US Capitol Building within this monumental work. Taking inspiration from art historical renderings emblematic of revolution, Bailly presents the tension between chaos and resilience by quoting the master works of Francisco Goya and Eugéne Delacroix. The impacting composition is complete with American Poet Laureate and activist Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Hill We Climb,” woven throughout the skyline. Executed in a manner that matches the extremity of its subject, 6th of January, 2021 symbolizes the state of a divided nation, encapsulating this landmark moment in history.” Sofia Guerra

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905.

Bailly started this painting that very day-the 06 January 2021 painting was started on 06 January 2021 in the Power House studio at the Deering Estate.

A collage of nine artistic pieces showing abstract representations of crowds and iconic structures, utilizing a dark color palette with hints of brown and gray. — John William Bailly. 06 January Mob Studies, 2021. Power House Studio.

Abstract painting in grayscale featuring a chaotic array of brush strokes and textures, with a grid layout on the edges. — John William Bailly. 06 January Mob Study 5, 2021. Mixed Media on Paper. 11 x 17 in / 28 x 43 cm.

The first steps included abstract studies of the mob.

A vibrant mixed media artwork featuring a stylized depiction of a governmental building with a dome, surrounded by a colorful abstract background of bold colors and text elements, possibly reflecting themes of freedom and unity. — John William Bailly. 06 January 2021 (detail), 2021. Oil on canvas. 86 x 120 inches / 220 x 300 cm. Collection of PAMM.

“I was stuck on the painting. I wanted the violence of the Capitol Insurrection to be reflected in a violent application of paint. But I also wanted to reflect the eternal hope of the US towards a more perfect union. I was at a loss at how to express that. And then I heard a voice that was both inspiring and forceful. It was the voice of Amanda Gorman. She put into words the thoughts of so many Americans at a time when we could not find them ourselves. I decided to paint her words in a sky of colors, above the hate and chaos.”