After two decades of depicting landscape and figurative scenes in a highly representational style, artist James Ayers now draws upon abstracted elements to further fulfill his discovery that “less detail has more power to captivate viewers.” In a total of 10 new landscape paintings for his solo show Intersect, presented by Canyon Road Contemporary Art in Santa Fe, Ayers continues on a trajectory of mixing representational scenes with abstract expressionist elements, while also exploring the concept of interconnectedness.
Ascending Embrace, oil on canvas, 54 x 30"
“The title Intersect, reflects the intersection of natural landscapes and human activity,” the artist explains. “I use spray paint and crayon—mediums typically associated with urban life—alongside traditional oil paint to create a dialogue between the past and the present, the natural and the man-made. This approach speaks to the many layers of my life, merging my love for nature with my connection to hip-hop culture. I aim to show how different parts of our lives are interconnected, creating a layered and dynamic visual experience.”
Ice Crystal Oasis, oil on canvas, 60 x 40"
Ayers also believes that his expressionist perspective has such a powerful effect because it mirrors the physicality of how humans actually think. “My goal with every painting is to tap into this bodily phenomenon and provide a way for a viewer to experience a moment instead of simply observing it,” he says. "It’s the act of creating a painting that excites me—scraping, pushing and pulling the paint on the canvas. I really like seeing people get lost in those textures and layers as if they’re daydreaming.”
City Lights Mirage, oil on canvas 32 x 42"
We see Ayers fully embracing these techniques in works like City Lights Mirage—a boldly colored painting that blends the feel of urban life with the desert landscape. Another vibrant highlight in the show is Ascending Embrace, depicting a floral scene inspired by his young son’s artwork. “It captures two cone flowers in a vibrant dance on canvas,” he shares. “The strong vertical composition and bursts of orange spray paint create a harmonious blend of warmth and serenity, reflecting the joy and energy of youthful creativity.”
Ayers shows off his talents in Ice Crystal Oasis.“This vertical canvas embodies the serene beauty of Cherry Creek, Colorado, a cherished place for me,” Ayers says. “The winter scene, with cool tones and vibrant orange highlights, evokes fond memories of hikes in this captivating landscape. It’s a serene and enchanting piece that draws the viewer into its tranquil beauty.”
Ripples of Fall Colors, oil on canvas, 20 x 24"
Ayers hope is that the show will allow collectors to feel the connection between nature, and the bold, almost urban elements. “I [want] to create art that is both visually stunning and deeply satisfying to live with. I believe art has the power to enhance our living spaces and enrich our lives, and I hope my work brings that sense of joy and connection to those who experience it.”
Intersect opens at Canyon Road Contemporary on September 6 with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m., and hangs through September 15. —
Canyon Road Contemporary Art 409 Canyon Road • Santa Fe, NM 87501 • (505) 983-0433 www.canyoncontemporary.com
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