Josh Keyes, a visionary artist hailing from Tacoma, Washington, explores the intersection of human impact and the natural world through his unique speculative paintings. Educated at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Yale University, Keyes has developed a distinctive style that captures the imagination and prompts introspection. His work often blurs the lines between natural landscapes and urban environments, offering a visual commentary on the pervasive reach of human activity. By placing graffiti on improbable surfaces like satellites and celestial bodies, Keyes imagines a future where human presence transcends earthly boundaries. This creative approach invites us to question the sustainability of our practices and the legacy we leave behind, regardless of the planet we inhabit.
In his Portland, Oregon studio, Keyes crafts immersive and thought-provoking pieces that speak to the impermanence and oftentimes intrusive nature of human endeavors. His paintings, featured in renowned galleries both domestically and internationally, challenge viewers to reconsider the impact of graffiti not just as a form of expression, but as a symbol of humanity’s relentless drive to leave its mark. Through his vivid, speculative imagery, Keyes confronts the broader issue of humanity’s relationship with nature, urging us to reflect on what it means to coexist with the environment. As we ponder the space graffiti adorning distant planets in his artworks, we are called to rethink the significance and consequences of our actions in an interconnected universe.
Are there things and places that graffiti should not be? Who is to say what surface is to be kept graffiti clean? My personal concern is that this will be a reality some day and speaks to a larger issue of our relationship with the natural world. The satellite and space graffiti hints that even if we colonize other worlds, what mark will we leave? No matter where we go there is evidence of our presence.
Josh Keyes
More info: Website, Instagram.
