Spotlight Artist

Paul LaMantia

Midwest
Artist profile photo
Featured in New American Paintings

Artist Statement

My painting is a contradiction between impulse in order. There is a deep sense of urgency that has been created in the new century that challenges the way I process my experiences into a visual reality.

These groups of comic-inspired characters are locked in a claustrophobic horror vacuii Caricature of space. They are symbolic elements, as well as a form of the madness of reality. Circus-like sideshows creatures float in and out of shifting spaces, meandering through psychic spills like so much automatic writing.

The works are executed in a style that combines organic abstraction and pop, call make figuration. There is no preconceived planning a visual invention, or execution of materials. This method creates terrific failures and terrific artistic needs that can only be satisfied by exploring new ways to express one's vision, and to express one's aesthetic problems.

To base the work on conceptual or formal values would be a misinterpretation. The paintings are created in a highly subjective state and should be experienced on an emotional level.

Artist's Additional works

Works shared by the artist outside of their featured New American Paintings selections

Featured artwork
Featured artwork

Discover more artists from the Midwest

THE MAGAZINE

Explore our magazine to discover exceptional artists

Open magazine with text, modern illustrations, and a list of artists on a pink background.
View issues

Call for Artists

Submit your work for consideration

New American Paintings is a juried exhibition-in-print and digital, presenting the work of 40 emerging artists in each issue.

View competitions

Your gateway to new art

Discover tomorrow's art stars, today

Two books on a wooden table with a modern decorative sculpture in the background.

PRINT + EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

$179/YEAR

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

$99/YEAR OR $10/MONTH

Each issue of New American Paintings features forty artists selected through our juried competitions—presented in a beautifully curated, full-color publication. Subscribers receive six issues per year, plus exclusive online access to current and past editions. Are you a collector? Consider our premium subscription and receive our museum-quality printed publication + access to each new digital issue two weeks before its general release.