We here at Corduroy Magazine place a premium on timelessness; rooted in the idea that a corduroy jacket never goes out of style. While passing mainstream trends are undoubtedly entertaining, we aim to transcend “what’s in” through the creation of something classic, which will hopefully remain with our readers for years to come.

Antwerp-based artist, Jens Hesse apparently shares a similar (slightly more literal) sentiment with a series of paintings which replace the canvas with a piece of corduroy fabric.

Heavily influenced by technological phenomena such as distorted satellite signals and datamoshed videos, Hesse uses the narrow vertical ridges found in the textile to distort the reality of each piece. The final result is a refreshingly new take on the ancient practice of portraiture.

We really like the dichotomy Hesse explores in his work: despite technology’s capacity to connect, requisite of this connection is a kind of distorted reality. We don’t necessarily see things the way they really are, as our vision is sometimes clouded by an indistinguishable layer of pixilation.

Hesse understands that the production of timeless work is not necessarily about difference for the sake of difference, but rather creating something in which the mania of fad is not indicative of actual worth. As it turns out, we have a lot in common.

- James Lavapie