A complex digital collage featuring a central figure reclining amidst a surreal, fragmented landscape. The scene is filled with abstract shapes, architectural blocks, and smaller figures in a palette of pale pink, mint green and white.

The man who coined the word "funshine" – please welcome Jason Jägel

Words: Liv Siddall
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Date: 8 June 2012; Work
Illustration

Yes, that’s right. Funshine. Jason Jägel’s uncompromisingly deadpan use of that word sees hip hop artists Stones Throw literally clamouring to have his artwork used on their record. Well, if it’s good enough for MF Doom, it’s good enough for us. As well as creating uplifting, chaotic paintings that can only have been made by a man inspired by literally everything around him, Jason also makes installations, sculptures and some seriously intricate diorama-esque models that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson title sequence. Be sure to check out his collaborative work with McSweeney’s and some weird and wonderful narrative images for self-proclaimed “voice of the dog” title Bark Magazine.

An illustration featuring the words “LEAVING” in large, bold red letters. Below, the phrase “OUR LADY OF THE HIGHWAY” is written in blue. The scene includes a small house, stylized trees, and two figures interacting amidst the text. — Above
Jason Jägel: Our Lady Of The Highway – About Leaving

An illustration of a figure wearing a silver mask and a green hood, sitting at a table. They hold a pink drink and a spoon over a bowl of cereal that reads “THE FINEST”. — Above
Jason Jägel: MM..Food

A complex, layered illustration featuring a collage of abstract shapes, scribbled lines and fragmented figures. Central text in bold, colourful letters reads “WE WERE HAVING FUN EVEN THOUGH WE DIED”. — Above
Jason Jägel: Mezcalina

An illustration of a large, simplified head containing a surreal collage of smaller figures and objects. Inside the face, a person sits at a laptop while other abstract shapes and figures float in a pale, open space. — Above
Jason Jägel: No Coincidence

An illustration of the musician Mf Doom wearing a metal mask and an apron, flipping food on a griddle. He stands in a kitchen window beside another person who stirs a pot. Above them, bold green lettering reads “MF DOOM” and “Hoe Cakes b/w Potholders”. — Above
Jason Jägel: MF DOOM – Hoe Cakes

An illustration featuring a surreal, crowded composition of stylised figures and abstract shapes. In the centre, a large white hand reaches out from a light blue arched portal. — Above
Jason Jägel: Reflecting Pool

A busy illustration featuring a mix of scribbled figures, faces and handwritten notes. A large figure in a blue outfit and red mask dominates the right side, while yellow text at the top reads “Will you guys just slow it down and make it funky like we always wanted it to be”. — Above
Jason Jägel: Midnight Request Line

Further Info

www.jasonjagel.com

About the Author

Liv Siddall

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Liv joined It’s Nice That as an intern in 2011 and worked across online, print and events, and was latterly Features Editor before leaving in May 2015.

The man who coined the word "funshine" – please welcome Jason Jägel

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