The first thing that comes to mind after viewing the works of Zarum is “original”. Or as original as can be in this day and age. But what do you define as original? Is it something never seen before? Yes that is partly true. But that does not necessarily mean in the style of the work because I can certainly see the influences of this artist. It was said of Picasso that he stole from everything and everyone around him. I would prefer to use the word “influenced” rather than “stole”. All artists are influenced by those who came before them and Zarum is no different. (In fact he lists his influences on his web site, www.zarum.net)

However, what sets apart the artist who simply copies a style from that of one who takes a step forward from what influenced them is the ability to break through with their own style, with their originality. And this is exemplified in the works of Zarum. There is originality here that deserves notice and attention. However, like most things original it takes the audience a little time to focus and adjust themselves to something new. Zarum’s works are not simple for the most part. There is a lot happening on the canvas in what may seem a simple picture at first. The artist is complex. His mind is fertile and always moving. His thoughts, feelings, desires, and emotions are all there to see. But you have to take the time to look for them. This is not someone who slaps paint on a canvas and calls it art. This is not paintings of landscapes, objects, or portraits. It is work of a deeper “thinking” mind.

The works using a black background (otherwise known as the ‘FACES’ Series) have been previously reviewed as having aboriginal influence. However, I do not see them in that way. The black background has been used to focus the mind intensely on the central “figure”. No distractions of color or objects. The eyes absorb the central figure with its shape and colors and processes only that. And the figure itself is many times more than what the eye first sees. It changes before you. It becomes more. And that is the true essence of what Art should be. It should touch emotions and start the mind to think and feel and explore. In this Zarum has succeeded.

And yet this is not an artist who rests on his laurels, who is content with his “style” and churns out “cookie cutter” works because he can. Zarum is an artist who pushes himself beyond what he has already created. He is searching. His is taking risks and stepping beyond his previous works. This can be seen in several of his newer works in which he has stepped forward beyond the flowing lines and gentleness of some of his early works. In his works titled ‘El Jinete’, ‘Ole’, ‘Jose Maria and Maria Jose’, and ‘Goodfellas’ he has pushed himself to another plateau. Here he presents works clearly for the most part influenced by his Spanish surroundings in which he paints. Not only in the central figure(s) in the works, but also in the use of colors and the “linier” outlines of the figures. It is different from previous works but still original. It is an artist sharing his growth and not afraid to leave behind his previous success. His is willing to take risks and remain true to himself and by doing so remains fresh. Remains original.