JAMES GORTNER BIO

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.

Gortner’s academic pursuits have been as diverse as his artistic practice. He studied at Hawaii Pacific University and Beijing Language and Culture University before earning his MFA from the prestigious Columbia University. This multifaceted educational background informs his global perspective and contributes to the intellectual rigor evident in his work.

The artist’s contributions to contemporary art have been widely recognized, with features in publications such as New American Paintings, Architectural Digest, and The Berliner. Gortner’s work has graced the walls of notable institutions including The Fisher Landau Center for The Arts in New York, Mana Contemporary in New Jersey, and the RW Norton Art Museum in Louisiana.

Gortner’s paintings have found homes in significant collections, including the Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation and the Jimenez-Colon Collection. His work also resides in the private collections of luminaries such as President Jiang Zemin of China and acclaimed actress Reese Witherspoon, among others.

Currently, James Gortner continues to push the boundaries of contemporary painting from his studio at Mana Contemporary, solidifying his position as a pivotal figure in the evolving landscape of American art.