JAMES GORTNER

James Gortner is a visionary American painter whose artistic journey began in the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern California and has led him to the vibrant heart of New York City’s West Village. Now residing in the historic Westbeth Artists Housing with his family, Gortner’s work is a testament to the transformative power of art and the complex interplay between personal mythology, environmental consciousness, and art historical dialogue.

Gortner’s oeuvre defies easy categorization, seamlessly traversing the spectrum from hyper-realism to abstract expressionism. His innovative approach incorporates concept-bearing materials, including reclaimed and post-consumer paint, creating a sustainable practice that resonates with contemporary ecological concerns. By layering his compositions atop repurposed canvases, with reclaimed artists’ paints, Gortner imbues his work with a physical and conceptual depth that challenges traditional notions of painting.

Each of Gortner’s creations is, in his words, “an energy giver”—a dynamic entity born from the alchemical transformation of disparate elements into a cohesive, living work. This process results in pieces that are at once new and imbued with a rich, patchwork soul, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork’s complex history and evolving narrative.