Biography:
Jan J. Beran was born in Sarajevo (Bosnia) in 1954 to a family of artists and filmmakers. Raised in the atmosphere of creativity and experimentation Jan tried his hand at sculpture as a young child. At the age of six he already had his first sculpture exhibition in Sarajevo. Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in TV journalism from Sarajevo University he started working as a TV/ film cameraman and director of photography.
Jan studied art in the rich environment of Sarajevo influenced by Eastern and Western cultural traditions. While traveling around the world the young artist was exposed to a variety of different cultures, which helped him grow as a painter and develop his own style.
Jan's realistic images are penetrated with subtle mysticism. Executed with photographic precision, Jan's series of works presents oil paintings and collages on wood panels and canvas. In a series of female portraits, his main subject, Jan pays tribute to the tradition of old icon painting by utilizing gold and silver leaf, incorporating rusted metal details, and using traditional techniques of cannon painting. Full of emotions and inspired by the events from his own life Jan's paintings tell a story of love and hate, beauty and sensitivity; juxtaposing past and present they are full of references to his travels, art studies, Rock and Roll music, and his life in Hollywood. Jan's portraits on canvas are reminiscent of the medieval paintings translated into a contemporary visual language.
Jan moved to California in 1994. He continues working in the film industry. For more than 10 years he has been working for Camera Control Inc., Santa Monica and Crystal Pyramid Production, San Diego. He is exclusively represented by Galeria Jan in La Jolla.
Comments about Jan's work:
"Jan Beran's painting is our new pride and joy. It takes a central wall in our house and is one of the first things people see when they walk in. A Mona Lisa-like smile already has friends and neighbors talking".
- Mr. and Mrs. Popert, Texas
"Jan Beran has been working with Crystal Pyramid Productions for many years as a Director of Photography and Cameraman. We call on him annually to shoot celebrities and comic experts at the world-famous San Diego ComicCon. He has worked with us on a wide-ranging variety of shoots for our corporate and broadcast clients. He is one of the most talented Directors of Photography we know".
- Patty and Mark Schultz, San Diego.
"For 21 years selling Jan's work has been a mixture of joy and sadness. Every painting by Jan Beran at the gallery has been a mystery book one reads again and again. When any of these paintings is sold, the void overwhelms me; I know I will be unable to re-read this cherished book one more time, feel its emotion and see its beauty."
- Gallery Owner.
Galeria JAN is the only gallery in America representing his original paintings.