Jura Skye

The music primarily comes from his debut album Nothing which comprises eleven songs, or rather compositions, ranging in style from a combination of “prog-rock, post-punk, and more lyrical ‘pop’. I was reminded of some of my favorite experimental bands such as Tuxedomoon, Pink Floyd and Brian Eno. Skye has already created quite a loyal following as the winner of the Stein Arts Award, and he was shortlisted for the MUSE Digital Arts Award (through Philips in Milan). Captivated by nomadic cultures, mythology, and the natural world, his own music has been greatly influenced by composers such as Messiaen, Debussy and Bach.

All eleven works which make up Nothing are visually stunning, primarily abstract with electric color fields reminiscent of the masters of Abstract Expressionism such as Rothko and Kline. In number eight, Hamlet (56x72 ins, 2025) vertical bright yellow shards shoot upwards disappearing into a somber burgundy background. The shape reminded me of the Empire State Building in New York. Number nine, Nothing (56x72 ins, 2025) stands out with its grid of luscious dark blues, again with a strong ‘Ab Ex’ vibe.

It is sometimes hard to digest the complexity of these works, listening to the complex music that is such an integral part and realizing that each one is woven into the tapestry. Jura Skye has eloquently written about Nothing: “(They originate from) my own experience of displacement, adaptation, and searching for belonging, is woven into this project, both figuratively and literally. Inspired by nomadic cultures, where woven carpets serve as both shelter and memory. Nothing translates processed audio waves from my compositions into handwoven tapestries.”

It has been a profound experience to have the honour to delve into this magical world of Jura Skye and I hope one day to experience his oeuvre at first hand. Yes, I agree with him that this music can really be ‘a home’! As he says: “it is both an echo of the past and a thread into the future.”