Some of the most prominent and utilitarian products of modernity—power lines and telephone poles—are often regarded as among the ugliest features of contemporary infrastructure. Yet, in the hands of painter Cade Jarvis, even these industrial fixtures are transformed into sources of unexpected beauty. In his paintings, Jarvis highlights the delicate relationship between these structures and the sky, pairing them with the golden hues of twilight to create breathtaking, almost celestial compositions. Against luminous backdrops, the blackened silhouettes of poles and wires soar upward, becoming dynamic elements that challenge our conventional ideas of beauty. In a world where photo editing tools are often used to erase these elements, Jarvis instead elevates them, turning them into poetic marks etched across the heavens. His work not only underscores their physical role in connecting us, but also invites a deeper reflection on the blurred boundary between the natural and the human-made. Each power line he paints is drawn from those he has photographed during his travels across different states and countries, serving as both a visual diary and a tribute to the relationships and memories forged along the way.
