Isaac Pohoryles Gelb

Artist Statement

Whether representational or abstract, my interest in any artwork is to extract mystery from familiar structures through careful manipulation of geometry and light.

My obsession with geometry traverses both representation and abstraction. While my subjects vary, I am interested in architectural structures, domestic objects, bodies, and landscapes as anchors for exploring light and color. Painting and drawing these subjects requires a transition from an immediate observation through extended close study and finally, an abandonment of the original reference as it is dissolved and revived by its materials— color relationships, light, and texture. In regularly repeating this process, I find more moments where mystery pokes through familiarity. Every object has the potential to be interesting, challenging, and beautiful. I hope that my work invites viewers to spend time observing and untangling the patterns, textures, and colors of familiar forms and objects, and to extend that curiosity to their own surroundings, identities, and relationships.

Please browse my work— you can see selected work in the “Gallery” page. If you want to see more, everything is organized by year of completion in the “Archive” section.

Thank you for visiting my website!

Isaac :)