Spotlight Artist

John Bailly

South
Artist profile photo
Featured in New American Paintings

Artist Statement

I juxtapose random imagery from multiple sources, utilizing diverse and unrelated content in an attempt to capture the chaotic nature of data and information. In doing so, I question the legitimacy and relevance of this information both with regard to traditional belief systems and to our daily lives (especially my own).. Is information really quantifiable, classifiable and systematic as it first appears or is it really nonsensical and random? And more importantly, why do we as humans seek to impose order over the chaos by our relentless efforts to compartmentalize and classify the materials, experiences and concepts that we are exposed to?

Formally, I attempt to challenge traditional methods of constructing the content of a work of art. By the random selection of imagery, I allow content to form itself from random data. In order to translate this subject conceptually into form, it is important for me to complement the variety of subjects with a wide range of formal techniques: oil painting, monoprinting, linocuts, collage, frottage, and ink drawing. As a result, my work varies dramatically in subject and form. The data determines the composition, becoming an end in itself.

Artist's Additional works

Works shared by the artist outside of their featured New American Paintings selections

Featured artwork
Featured artwork

Discover more artists from the South

THE MAGAZINE

Explore our magazine to discover exceptional artists

Open magazine with text, modern illustrations, and a list of artists on a pink background.
View issues

Call for Artists

Submit your work for consideration

New American Paintings is a juried exhibition-in-print and digital, presenting the work of 40 emerging artists in each issue.

View competitions

Your gateway to new art

Discover tomorrow's art stars, today

Two books on a wooden table with a modern decorative sculpture in the background.

PRINT + EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

$179/YEAR

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

$99/YEAR OR $10/MONTH

Each issue of New American Paintings features forty artists selected through our juried competitions—presented in a beautifully curated, full-color publication. Subscribers receive six issues per year, plus exclusive online access to current and past editions. Are you a collector? Consider our premium subscription and receive our museum-quality printed publication + access to each new digital issue two weeks before its general release.