Scott Isenbarger

Lives and works in Kerhonkson, NY

Artist statement

My work is positioned at the intersection of classical figuration and surrealist dream logic, creating a visual language that navigates the tension between the familiar and the uncanny. Drawing heavily from postmodern histories and the aesthetics of the "masculine archetype," I utilize archetypal human and animal forms to populate enigmatic, often otherworldly spaces. These compositions serve as a stage for examining recurring themes of misguided masculinity, apathy, and the complexities of social identity. Central to my practice is the use of parody and satire, often employing a saccharine and highly saturated color palette. This vibrant color theory acts as a deliberate foil to the weight of the subject matter, creating a dissonance that invites the viewer into a space of humor, irony, and introspection. My style exists in the liminal space between realism and cartooning, allowing for a creative manner of figuration that can be simultaneously beautiful and grotesque. Having a background in English literature alongside formal training in painting, I view my canvases as narrative fragments of the unconscious. By frequently implicating myself within these scenarios, I position my work as both a critique of art history and an active participation in it. Whether exploring brawny and virile imagery or the quiet vulnerability of crying men, my goal is to communicate the nuances of human behavior and dreamlike states that reside beyond the reach of language.

Artwork