About

Represented by Marcia Evans Gallery

Statement

Spatial Contradictions

I call my style Geometric Surrealism, which is the manipulation of the representation of physical spaces to create a highly distorted vision of reality. My paintings start with architectural elements – the illusion of rooms, staircases, and hallways. I employ multiple viewpoints of these spaces and corridors, which are simplified and distorted to produce a composition of geometric shapes and planes with graphic overtones. This creates the illusion of depth with the X-Y-Z axis, scale, foreshortening, and place in time (the figures placed in the composition). These figures, representing past; present; and future, are based on the theory of Box Universe and the use of past memories and experiences to mold present and future experiences. The figures act as a design element that leads the viewer through the compositions.

Spaces are stretched and contorted, almost to the point of becoming paradox illusions. Varied light sources serve to deepen the impression of disjointed space. Forms rise and recede simultaneously, as perspective seems to oscillate. Spaces that should be comfortably familiar instead become ambiguous and conflicting. The only thing that is certain are the spatial contradictions. This framework challenges the predictability of the observer’s point-of-view. A tension is created in trying to reconcile the spatial contradictions. These subtle shifting spaces operate on a kind of dream-logic.

As an artist, I am interested in the subconscious workings of the psyche. My work serves as a meditation on the subjectivity that informs our interpretation of experience. This focus converges with a more formal interest in pushing the precepts of representational painting. I aim to create compositions that both surprise and intrigue.

This series of paintings depicts one’s movement through life and shows how our lives are not
as linear as predicted. I believe that life gives multiple choices on a daily basis; lines break off
to create new lines, new angles, doors open, planes shift, and stairways appear to reveal a Geometric Surrealism.

“The architecture structure of our soul would be conceived in the image of the labyrinth” – Nietzsche-

“Tools I can not live without.”

Exhibitions

2022

Garrett Museum of Art, Garrett, IN

Marcia Evans Gallery, Columbus, OH

Susquehanna Art Museum, Harrisburg, PA

2020

Marcia Evans Gallery Columbus, OH

Springboard Arts Chicago, Chicago, IL

OOVAR Juried Show, Carngie Gallery, Columbus, OH

Idea Foundry, L Gallery, Columbus, OH

2019

Hilton Gallery, Columbus, OH, Solo Show, September 2019

Marcia Evans Gallery, Columbus, OH, Group Show, June-August 2019

Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH, Solo exhibition, February 2019

2018

Evansville Museum, Evansville, IN, 59th Mid-States Art Exhibition, December 2018

10th West Gallery, Indianapolis, IN, Group show, November 2018

Ohio Art League X Space, Columbus, OH, solo exhibition, February 2018

Ohio Art League Spring Juried Show, Columbus, OH, April 2018

2017

Ohio Arts Council Biennial Juried Exhibition, Columbus, OH, November 2017

Ohio State Fair Juried Fine Arts Exhibition, Professional Division, Columbus, OH July 2017

R.A.W. Gallery, Columbus, OH, March 2017

2016

Hugh N. Ronald Gallery, Portland, IN, September 2016

Triangle Gallery, Dayton, OH, June 2016

Marcia Evans Gallery, Columbus, OH June 2016

Hannah Bocal Busch Gallery, Bellaire, TX, April 2016

2015

First Commonwealth Bank, Columbus, OH, Nov 2015

TY Fine Furniture, Columbus, OH, May 2015

RAW Gallery, Columbus, OH, March 2015

2014

Carnegie Gallery, Columbus, OH, December 2014

CS Gallery, Columbus, OH, December 2014

TY Fine Furniture, Columbus, OH, August 2014

CS Gallery, Columbus, OH, July 2014

2013

CS Gallery, Columbus, OH, November 2013

2008

BoxHeart Gallery, Pittsburg, PA, 2008

2005

Cleveland Public Theater, Cleveland, OH, 2005

ALLGO Signs, Cleveland, OH, 2005

Ingenuity Festival, Cleveland, OH, 2005

2004

ALLGO Signs, Cleveland, OH, 2004

High Road Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2004

Carl Soloway Gallery, Cincinnati, OH, 2004

Gallery 754, Akron, OH, 2004

2002

ALLGO Signs, Cleveland, OH, 2002

Davenport Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2002

Lanning Gallery, Columbus, OH, 2002

Roberts Triangle Gallery, Dayton, OH, 2002

2001

Hypotenuse Gallery, Dayton, OH, 2001

2000

Lanning Gallery Group, Columbus, OH 2000

1999

Lanning Gallery Group, Columbus, OH 1999

Awards & Recognition

2023

Ohio Arts Council, Individual Excellence Award

2019

Greater Columbus Arts Council, Artists in the Community award, 2019

2018

Greater Columbus Arts Council, Artists in the Community award, 2018

2016

Greater Columbus Arts Council, Artists in the Community award, 2016

Baltimore LED Art Billboard, 2016

2014

Greater Columbus Arts Council, Artists in the Community award, 2014

Collections

Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, OH

Hilton Columbus Downtown Hotel, Columbus, OH

Hilton Towers, Columbus, OH

Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH

Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY

Press

ArtAscent Art & Literature Journal “Artist Interview”, March 2019

Creative Digest “Artist JT Thompson on the hustle”, May 2018

The Woven Tale Press “Vol. VI #2 Woven Tale Press:”, March 2018

Abstract Magazine Contemporary Expressions “Art Feature”, Feb 2018

The Woven Tale Press “Geometric Surrealism”, December 2017

On Art & Aesthetics “Distorted Spaces, Misleading Lines”, August 2017

Professional Artist Magazine “Artist Spotlight”, June 2017

Columbus Alive “Exhibition Preview: JT Thompson’s Into the Labyrinth at RAW Gallery”, March 2017

Ragazine.cc “Artist Spotlight”, September 2016

Dayton City Paper “JT Thompson’s Illusion at Triangle Gallery”, June 2016

Columbus Alive “Exhibit preview: “Paint By Numbers” showcases unique and rich collaboration”, March 2015

CS Gallery Artist Round Table Interview Series, Jan 2015

Now It’s Dark Magazine “Spotlight: Columbus Artist JT Thompson”, August 2014

Pittsburgh Tribune Review “Boxheart’s ‘Art Inter/National’ builds a strong reputation“, Jan 2008

Publications

Texting- 1st Year Fiction, 2005

The Art Fix Cleveland Connection, May 2005

Philadelphia Stories “Skylight: Novel Excerpt,” Fall 2004

Philadelphia Stories “Catherine Street,” Fall 2004