Jay Shinn’s opulent paintings consist of overlays of simple patterns which quickly become complex. Over the course of his successful career, the artist has developed a straightforward approach to minimal geometric abstraction which makes his works feel effortless. However, because they rely on symmetry to deliver the desired effect, they require flawless execution. Shinn plays complex patterning off shaped canvases, creating a sense of movement and depth that is often absent from traditional Minimalist work. Also unusual is the cheerful generosity of these paintings, which invite the viewer in. Shinn’s numerous large-scale, immersive public installations at places such as the Houston Intercontinental Airport and Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs demonstrate the accessibility of his practice.
Probably the most noticeable aspect of these works are their dazzling visual effects. Subtle shifts in color tone or hue juxtapose with sharp geometric lines. Paintings like Circle Mountain and Golden Levee appear to vibrate, leading the viewer’s eye in endless loops throughout their intricate compositions. Shinn’s neon works take on a more ethereal presence as they subtly shift from flat objects into sculptural forms; these works have an implied physicality that is more ephemeral in nature compared to their two-dimensional counterparts. Inside Voice and Outside Voice may appear to be simple variations on the same theme, but as you spend time with them their differences emerge. Inside Voice tightens in the center with its cool tones mimicking a feeling of quiet and solace, while Outside Voice expands, bursting at the edges with a warm bright light that elicits feelings of joy and excitement. Shinn’s work rewards patient viewing for those that are willing to spend the time unravelling them.
Born in Magnolia, Arkansas, Shinn received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and is an alumnus of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. His work has been exhibited extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and resides in numerous public and private collections worldwide. In addition to the public installations mentioned above, Shinn has also completed commissions for Hobby Airport, Houston; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Texas A&M University’s new Zachary School of Engineering Education Complex; Shinn is represented by Barry Whistler Gallery, Dallas and Moody Gallery, Houston. Since 2019, Shinn has focused on a return to drawing and painting with the continued exploration of color and light. He lives and works between Dallas, New York, and Berlin.