Michael O’Guinn

B. 1986

Artist Satement
I consider myself to be a neo-expressionist. I’m influenced by Expressionist painters of the 50’s and 60’s but my work has a contemporary urban aesthetic. My paintings are comprised of quick choices made in the moment as I create, often influenced by music I listen to or memories I tap into as a piece is made. I try to consider big emotions as I work and incorporate juxtapositions, fluidity/bold or chaos/structure. I like to merge seemingly opposing visual elements to create something with balance, my hope being that the end product is evocative to the viewer. Jerry Saltz recently expanded on De Kooning’s quote, “Content is a glimpse.” Saltz said he’s seen glimpses in certain artists or musicians like Billie Holiday, Dolly and Kurt Cobain, noting “It’s the sight or sound of someone turning himself inside out, so that one of the selves inside can momentarily appear. When someone renders something this raw this well, it begins a journey into forever.” I try to put myself into an open state when I make things in hopes that I render a glimpse of something honest that is visually interesting. Art itself (particularly abstract art) does not cure the world’s problems, but my belief is that those glimpses of vulnerability or visceral commentary put onto a canvas is symbolic of being able to really see each other, and feel something. That’s where the meaning comes in for me.

B. 1986
2008 - Bachelor of Arts, Univ. California, Santa Barbara

Representation:
10 West Gallery (Santa Barbara, CA)
Kostuik Gallery (Vancouver, BC)
Mosaic Architecture (Santa Barbara, Denver; St. Helena; San Francisco)

Exhibitions:
Mosaic Architecture Gallery - Group show with Will Day and Joey Vaiasuso
In the Zone - 10 West Gallery (July to September)
Untitled - 10 West Gallery (December to Jan. 2024)
Atmospheric Conditions - 10 West Gallery (February to March 2024)
Sawleaf (Solo Painting Exhibition) - Helena Mason Gallery April 2024
Untitled - 10 West Gallery (May to July 2024)
Untitled - 10 West Gallery (September to November 2024)

Publications:

Canvas Rebel Magazine - https://canvasrebel.com/meet-michael-oguinn/
Flying Fruit Bowl - Scheduled October 2023
Santa Barbara Indpendent, Santa Barbara Design Firm Featuring Six Artists in New Gallery, Bethany Oh, April 5, 2023