The Rigor of Vision Jay Backstrand does not offer easy answers. His work operates through a psychological, free-associative order that demands a specific kind of attention. To look at a Backstrand piece is to confront a series of inscrutable riddles, often rendered with a seductive sheen that recalls the visual language of Pop art. He avoids the trap of being purely conceptual or purely decorative. Instead, his practice is defined by a relentless pursuit of vision and a constant refinement of the skills required to be an observer and a draughtsman. He builds his compositions by juxtaposing d…