About
Born in Akron, Ohio. Joel Kurtz is an American artist currently living and working in Brooklyn N.Y.
Artist Statement
My artwork explores the relationship between nature and technology. Nature is often depicted as embodying qualities such as unpredictability, complexity, and spontaneity, while technology is associated with precision, efficiency, and control. While the two are often considered adversarial, it is in fact possible for them to coexist harmoniously.
My paintings can be viewed as an exploration of how technological progress impacts nature, society, and our environment. I often explore this relationship through the lens of science fiction where I bring together landscapes and abstracts, or depict the terraformation of new worlds. Against this unpredictable background, I draw rigid lines that never blend into the other elements of the painting. In this sense, I am searching for a balance between technological advancement and a preservation of the current state.