James Morse: Because There Are Stars

Philip Martin Gallery is proud to present its first solo exhibition of new oil-on-canvas works by James Morse. Composed of both large-scale studio works and smaller pieces painted in the field, these expressive landscapes aim to embrace the interpretive nature of being in the world by using the imagery of the land and its creatures as a language to explore the complexity of our material, emotional, and spiritual existence.

This new set of works is a visual record of thinking, feeling, and responding to the world using a language that is more felt than understood. Dark landscapes show moody images of wildlife and foliage, prairie flowers dancing in the wind, and choppy waves sweeping across a lake. The muted color scheme gives a sense of reflection, melancholy, and introspection while vast landscapes and water reflections inspire a sense of expansiveness and calm, causing contemplation of the inner self. Morse says, “I use the imagery of land as a language to explore the emotions that arise from contemplating our existence. The universe, and our presence within it, is a mystery. Contemplating our existence gives rise to the full spectrum of emotion. That we exist at all is both joyful and terrifying, beautiful and hideous, constructive and destructive.”

Evident in his careful mark making as an artist, is the passage of time. Morse aims to depict his internal existential struggle through his paintings so that they are objects of emotional metaphor, not reproductions of perceived beauty. The accumulated patina of thought and craftsmanship are the cornerstones of Morse’s contemplative landscapes and the deliberate buildup of paint leaves no confusion about the illusion of pictorial space. Morse says, “Our existence is mystifyingly confusing while essentially simple and easily understood. It is difficult to discuss such contradictory emotions with words. Images and music explore and express feelings with an acuity that words do not.”

James Morse (b. 1982, Hinsdale, IL) studied at Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, CA) and Columbia College (Chicago, IL). His work has been the subject of recent solo and group exhibitions at Galleri Magnus Karlsson (Stockholm, Sweden); Hesse Flatow Gallery (New York, NY); Poker Flats Gallery (Williamstown, MA); Cook’s House (Traverse City, MI); Crooked Tree Arts Center (Traverse City, MI); Wright Gallery (Northport, MI); and The Old Art Building (Leland, MI). Morse’s work has been featured in publications such as Art Maze Magazine, Venti Journal, and Dans les Yeux d’Elsa Art Magazine. Morse lives and works in Northport, Michigan.

James Morse’s exhibition of new landscape paintings is on view at the gallery June 30 through July 30, 2022. There will be a reception for the artist from 5-7pm on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Philip Martin Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10-5. For additional images, or information please email info@philipmartingallery.com, or call 310-559-0100. Philip Martin Gallery is located at 2712 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034 in the Culver City area of Los Angeles between Venice Blvd. and Washington Blvd., just south of the 10 Freeway.