Statement

My portraits feature bold pops of color set against otherwise monochromatic backgrounds, symbolizing the apathy of youth. The figures in my work reflect the internal struggle between deep emotion and the outward performance of indifference—a façade often glorified as being “too cool to care.” This allure of effortless coolness has become a modern ideal of beauty, represented through the stoic and femme fatale tropes.

I choose to paint my portraits in vibrant colors instead of traditional skin tones because I believe that skin color itself is a political statement. My work transcends racial boundaries, focusing on the universal human experience rather than identity. By using bold, non-representational colors, I aim to highlight the emotional depth and complexity of my subjects, inviting viewers to engage with the essence of the human condition.

By focusing on a beauty imbued with a hard edge and a sense of self-absorption, my art critiques the attitudes of today’s generation. The delicate application of sleek oil paint mirrors the high-gloss filter sought by youth culture, encapsulating the rebellion, beauty, and mystery of urban life.

I am Michael Young, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in painting and printmaking. Since childhood, I have been captivated by the themes of rebellion and beauty in urban youth, which resonate throughout my work. Since 2018, I have been an employee at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and in my free time, I enjoy jogging along the James River in Richmond, reading comics, and exploring the city's vibrant nightlife. (For bookings and commissions, see Contact tab.)