Patrick Schmidt

I describe my paintings, drawings, and drawing installations as hardedge color fields with a digital sensibility that explores the language of geometric abstraction. Influenced by Op Art, I have worked with abstract shapes and forms to confront the world around me.

Using stencils and wallpaper to develop my early compositions. Now, compositions originate from the digital design process, I layer found patterns over one another in order to transform unique imagery into complex universal symbolism. My use of color is aggressive, frenzied, and political, while the groovy, ridged patterns challenge our aesthetic prejudices. Optical transparency and mathematical geometry demand focus—yet require distraction at the same time. My work is a balance of harmony and chaos. A mirror of our times, it shows us who we are.

I have been a Professor of Art for 18+ years. I have exhibited my paintings, drawings, and installations from L.A. to NYC, to Washington DC to Kansas City to London, Florence, Cosenza, Budapest, and almost every place in between. My work is in several collections and I show with Barker Howard Contemporary in London and Todd Weiner Gallery in Kansas City. My work was featured in Harderedge an online blog dedicated to concrete, geometric abstraction. I have attended residencies at the Box of Contemporary Space in Cosenza, Italy, Chateau Orquevaux in Orquevaux, France, and the Soaring Gardens Artist Retreat in Laceyville, PA. 

Photo by Arlan Hess