The Art of Noah Emhurt
My work seems to be a culmination of my life and surroundings. I pull from the culture of living in major cities from Tokyo to New York to Los Angeles and now Pittsburgh, where I currently reside. Having earned a degree in fine art, I utilize that with my spirit as a rebellious youth who constantly painted on bedroom walls and spray painted on the streets of my hometown.
As far as the actual process, I often start with a background full of “experiments” or a chosen image. I’m constantly searching for new looks and ways of applying paint. If it doesn’t work, it’s painted over and replaced. It’s a constant process of failures. After all, painting is basic math: addition and subtraction.
Juxtaposition has always been at the forefront of my work. It’s as if there’s an internal struggle of letting things be wild while at the same time balancing it with a pleasant appeal. Initially, I try to keep things as chaotic as possible. I “bury myself”. From there, I hope to make sense of it all, digging myself out with each subsequent layer.
I’m definitely into the imagery of the piece. This seems to be a driving force for me. Finding the next, best image to explore. It’s as if the iconography of the artwork is the core belief. Here is the time I pull from all sources in order to find the right image. Everything available to me becomes fair game when choosing.
What I had in mind when making these prints...
My youth when youth was enough.
Skipping school to learn more about life.
Hands covered in the blood and guts from a motorcycle.
Thinking about that next tattoo and where you’re going to get the money from.
Drinking beer behind Mom’s back.
Smoking glorious cigarette after glorious cigarette.
Bedroom walls completely covered in the greatest artwork the world will never see.
My youth when youth was enough.
Skipping school to learn more about life.
Hands covered in the blood and guts from a motorcycle.
Thinking about that next tattoo and where you’re going to get the money from.
Drinking beer behind Mom’s back.
Smoking glorious cigarette after glorious cigarette.
Bedroom walls completely covered in the greatest artwork the world will never see.
Outlier, 2021 - ink on paper
Helmet Head, 2021 - ink on paper
Hellion, 2021 - ink on paper
Fatboy, 2021 - ink on paper
Leathers, 2021 - ink on paper
Cafe, 2021 - ink on paper
