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STATEMENT
Portraits that have bold pops of color in an otherwise monochromatic setting, my paintings signify the apathy of youth. The figures in my paintings embody the conflict between how we feel deeply versus how we act as if we don’t feel a thing. This façade is often glamorized as being “too cool to care”. This “cool” that is carefree and seductive, is desperately sought after. It has become the new face of beauty in our time, the stoic and/or femme fatale trope. Focusing on beauty that has been given a hard edge, self-centered with a notion of effortlessness, my work comments on the attitude of this generation. A delicate application of sleek oil paint represents the high gloss filter craved by youth culture. My art embodies the rebellion, beauty, and mystery of urban youth.
BIO
Michael Young is a portrait artist currently based in Richmond, VA. He is fascinated with high fashion, models, celebrities, and graphic novels and often references these in his paintings and drawings.
He attended Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Arts program with a focus in Painting and Printmaking. He currently works at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Michael has shown his work in both solo and group shows in Virginia.
EXHIBITIONS/SHOWS/COMMISSIONS
Exhibitions;
2016 - November - “Headcount”, Endeavor RVA, Richmond, VA
2017 - August - First Friday , Barcode, Richmond, VA
2019 - “The Endeavor Order”, Endeavor RVA, Richmond, VA
EDUCATION
2015 BFA Painting and Printmaking from VCU
AWARDS/DISTINCTIONS
Awards;
2012 - Peachtree Award
Published;
2015 - Blurb Catalog, Galley Published Catalog, Richmond, VA
2015 - Interaction 47, Richmond, VA
2021 - Art Hole, London, UK
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2015- 2017, 1708 Gallery / Intern, Richmond VA
2018 - Present, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts / Visitor Services Associate, Richmond VA
ARTIST'S TAGS
Painter in Virginia, Oil, Painting, Portrait, Illustration, Graphic, Bold