Artist Statement

Joshua Jenkins

I was born in 1987 and am one of eight siblings. I was raised in New York, in the beautiful Hudson Valley, where I began my start in drawing. In high school, I moved to central Kentucky continuing my teenage artistic endeavors before deciding to return to New York, where I received my BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Studio Art. After college, I spent a brief time in Philadelphia, PA, where the local urban art scene greatly inspired and influenced me.

The contrast of the places I've lived has undoubtedly brought a unique dichotomy to my work that meshes big city culture with a southern country flare. My art is exceptionally expressive and pulls influence from Street Art, Naïve Art, Pop Art, and the 20th & 21st centuries Expressionist movements. The primary subjects of my work focus on subtle gay themes, nature, and most prominently the human condition. My use of color is bold and loud. I form my figures through profound, distorted, energetic lines and unabashed brush strokes. I deliberately push myself to find a challenge within each picture to evolve as a painter. One consistent thing I do however is within each of my works I encompass raw emotion that bleeds through the canvas leaving behind a curious narrative to be unraveled through the viewer’s eyes.

I reside in Louisville, KY, focusing on my art and family. I try to frequent cities as much as possible for my urban inspiration and often visit the Great Lakes of Kentucky for inspiration from nature.

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

Many of the Artist’s paintings are currently on display at Quills Coffee Shops (St. Matthews & Frankfort Ave location) or 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.