James Gortner


New Painting Projects
  1. Abstract Constructs (2015-present)
  2. Knight Paintings (2021-present)
  3. Ground Breakage I- Mana Contemporary (2016-present)
    Ground Breakage II- Old Bell Labs (2024-present)

Selected Archived Painting Projects

  1. Tarot Card Paintings (2008-present)
  2. The Darkside Portraits (2005-2007)


    CV
    About
    Email
    Instagram


    View Available Works for sale:

    Artsy

    Mana Contemporary

    Visit the Studio CONTACT US

    ©2025


In James Gortner’s work, painting becomes a site of transformation. Here, past lives of materials, images, and intentions converge. His surfaces are sculptural and layered, composed of reconstructed artist's paintings and reclaimed paint with history embedded in their very texture. Drawing from spiritual practice, dream logic, and art historical tradition, he forges visual languages that reflect the chaos, hope, and interconnection of the present moment.

In James Gortner’s work, painting becomes a site of transformation. Here, past lives of materials, images, and intentions converge. His surfaces are sculptural and layered, composed of reconstructed artist's paintings and reclaimed paint with history embedded in their very texture. Drawing from spiritual practice, dream logic, and art historical tradition, he forges visual languages that reflect the chaos, hope, and interconnection of the present moment.

Gortner studied at The Art Students League of New York and received his MFA from Columbia University. His work has been exhibited at the Fisher Landau Center for the Arts (New York), Mana Contemporary (New Jersey), San Bernardino County Museum (California), the Museum of Contemporary Art MAC (Chile), and the RW Norton Art Museum (Louisiana). His work has been featured in print in New American Paintings, New American Art Collector Magazine, Men’s Journal, Archatectural Digest, and The Berliner, among other publications. His art is in numerous private collections, including President Jiang Zemin of China and actress Reese Witherspoon. James Gortner lives and works in the West Village of New York City.



About

James Gortner in studio with “Abstract Constructs” series.



In James Gortner’s work, painting becomes a site of transformation. Here, past lives of materials, images, and intentions converge. His surfaces are sculptural and layered, composed of reconstructed artist's paintings and reclaimed paint with history embedded in their very texture. Drawing from spiritual practice, dream logic, and art historical tradition, he forges visual languages that reflect the chaos, hope, and interconnection of the present moment.

Gortner studied at The Art Students League of New York and received his MFA from Columbia University. His work has been exhibited at the Fisher Landau Center for the Arts (New York), Mana Contemporary (New Jersey), San Bernardino County Museum (California), the Museum of Contemporary Art MAC (Chile), and the RW Norton Art Museum (Louisiana). His work has been featured in print in New American Paintings, New American Art Collector Magazine, Men’s Journal, Archatectural Digest, and The Berliner, among other publications. His art is in numerous private collections, including President Jiang Zemin of China and actress Reese Witherspoon. James Gortner lives and works in the West Village of New York City.