Artist Statement

Joshua Jenkins

I am a painter and multidisciplinary artist whose work is shaped by the contrasting landscapes of my life—growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, with frequent exposure to the urban energy of New York City and Philadelphia, alongside formative years spent in rural Kentucky. This duality informs my artistic language, where the grit of the city collides with the quiet intensity of the countryside, creating a dynamic fusion of urban expression and raw emotional storytelling.

My work draws deeply from Expressionism, particularly the distorted, visceral energies of artists like Kirchner, Baselitz, Beckmann, Condo, Picasso, and Basquiat. Influenced by street art, Naïve Art, and Pop Art, I utilize bold, unrestrained colors, gestural lines, and mixed media techniques—including industrial spray paint and collage—to construct layered narratives that explore identity, masculinity, and belonging. The human figure remains central in my work, often fragmented and distorted, reflecting both personal and collective tensions of self-perception, queerness, and cultural displacement.

Recently, my exploration of masculinity has expanded to include the symbolism of horned animals—powerful, untamed figures that echo themes of identity, dominance, and vulnerability. My interdisciplinary series, Guerrilla Blocks, integrates street art aesthetics with pop culture and queer iconography, further pushing the boundaries of representation and cultural critique.

Currently based in Louisville, KY, I continue to seek inspiration in both the urban landscapes I frequent and the natural surroundings of the Great Lakes and Appalachian Mountains. Whether through painting, collage, or graphic design, my work remains a visual excavation of contrast, emotion, and evolving identity, inviting the viewer to unravel the layered narratives embedded within each piece.

Visit the Artist’s website: www.joshuajenkinsart.com

Many of the Artist’s paintings are currently on display at Quills Coffee Shop (St. Matthews) or are in storage. If you wish to see any of Jenkins’ paintings in person, please get in touch with us before visiting the gallery so that we can make proper arrangements.