Jermaine Nolen is a multidisciplinary contemporary American artist based in Chicago, IL

Born and raised in Auburn Gresham, on the South Side of Chicago, he continues to have a deep connection to the place he calls home. His visual work, written work, and design draws inspiration from his ancestors and his community.

In his practice, he navigates the intersection of color theory and minimalism through the mediums of acrylic paint on stretched canvas and poetic expression. Drawing inspiration from the minimalist painters of the 1970s and the emotive power of abstract expressionism, his work aims to challenge the boundaries of perception within a two-dimensional space. His paintings explore the subtle dynamics of movement and depth, inviting viewers to question their own visual interpretations.

By employing a restrained color palette and deliberate composition, Jermaine strives to create a sense of spatial ambiguity where the distinctions between foreground and background become fluid. This interplay encourages an engagement with the artwork that is both introspective and dynamic, prompting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and interpretations.

In conjunction with his visual work, Jermaine’s poetry complements this exploration of minimalism and abstraction, offering another layer of engagement through language. Together, these elements form a dialogue between color and word, simplicity and complexity, inviting an immersive experience where movement and stillness coexist. Through this fusion of visual and verbal mediums, Jermaine seeks to create spaces where the viewer can experience a personal and profound connection, continuously negotiating the tension between what is seen and what is felt.