My work uses figuration to reflect on the mythos of contemporary life, both personal and collective. Acrylic paint lends itself to quick production of compositions that echo the rapid shifts of today's culture – each artwork can be at once familiar, humorous and discomforting. One moment could be a wildlife encounter first sourced on Twitter and the next could be a vision of a Christ figure in a color field setting. Americana, sexuality, and spirituality emerge as ongoing points of investigation, with each artwork acting as a discrete scene that explores these themes, all set within one world fluctuating between the mundane and the legendary. This tonal uncertainty allows space for the viewer to reflect on their own relationship with the imagery.
Aaron Burleson is a painter based in Columbus, Ohio, originally from Dayton. Mythology, folklore, and pop culture inspire his large-scale figurative paintings, digital imaging and design, video editing, and sculptural installation. He began his practice by drawing birds and other wildlife at a young age, and has since honed his compositional and rendering skills. Burleson received a BFA from The Ohio State University in 2021, and is active in the Columbus art scene, having shown in spaces such as the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Chromedge Studios, ROY G BIV Gallery, and the Urban Arts Space. He is represented by Chaos Contemporary Craft gallery.