Statement About The Artist

Born in the vibrant borough of The Bronx, New York in 1947, Mitch Lewis' artistic journey was kindled by his father, a skilled sign painter whose work not only provided for the family but also instilled a deep appreciation for art within him.

Education propelled Lewis forward as he pursued a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Art at Hunter College of the City of New York. His time at Hunter was transformative, as he found inspiration in the works of renowned Abstract Expressionists and Minimalists such as Ron Gorchov, Ralph Humphrey, Robert Huot, Robert Motherwell, Helen Frankenthaler, Adolf Gotlieb, and Tony Smith.

During his college years, Lewis gravitated towards hard-edge geometric paintings, but he defied categorization within any single movement. Instead, he forged his own artistic path, establishing his unique set of principles governing the creation and perception of his art. "My paintings are personal voyages through life," Lewis candidly reveals. "They unfold as narratives that viewers can both enjoy and interpret. Nevertheless, they are not without constraints.

Lewis reflects on the origins of his subject matter, which draw from stories that he absorbed during his youth. While his paintings evoke moral and spiritual undertones, their implications solely exist within the language of expression. Purposefully distributing paint, Lewis injects vigor and expressiveness into each canvas. His works captivate with their powerful intensity, surprising viewers with unexpected forms, lines, shapes, and colors that oscillate between seductive, playful, and even aggressive. "I seek spiritual insights to attain a sense of normality and balance in life," he muses, though uncertain if he will ever fully achieve it.

Delving into the intricate realm of human sensuality and the interplay between men, women, and the environment, Lewis draws inspiration from events that have profoundly impacted his life. From the challenges of being a working artist in New York to the joys of marriage and parenthood. Each experience finds expression in the hieroglyphic quality of his work. Lewis invites viewers to decipher the messages or interpret the meaning of each painting through their unique sensibilities. His spatial boundaries on his canvases encapsulate the essence of design. In some of his latest creations, Lewis finds inspiration in his own grandchild's vibrant kineticism. Above all, Lewis finds purpose and delight in his artistic development.

Continuing to exhibit his paintings in the bustling art scene of New York City, Lewis has established a notable presence since completing his graduate studies. His artwork has found a home in esteemed collections across the United States and the United Kingdom. Since 2012, Lewis has been represented by The Carter Burden Gallery in Chelsea, New York, where his compelling works have captured the attention of art enthusiasts and critics alike.

In his current series of 'Squiggle' paintings, Lewis embarks on a new exploration. Here, his focus shifts to showcase a sequence of enigmatic hieroglyphs formed by fleeting undulating lines, sprawling across canvases spanning eight to ten feet. Within these works, linear forms playfully roll, tumble, shift, and spiral against a backdrop of deep black. Some of his largest pieces are rendered in striking monochrome, while others incorporate vibrant colors that exude energy and life.

Mitch Lewis, an artist whose lifelong artistic evolution is as captivating as his creations, continues to leave an indelible mark on the art world. Through his daring and evocative works, he invites viewers to embark on their own visual and emotional odysseys, resonating with the timeless language of art.