James A. Peterson
– Artist Statement–

“What is it like to be Picasso?” a woman once asked the legendary artist. He asked if she had a dollar. When she produced one, he autographed it, handed it back to her and said, “Now it’s worth $100.”  

Whether this story is true or not, it illustrates society’s obsession with celebrity. My work examines the power of celebrity in our culture, but also explores how celebrities use their social currency. I am not subscribing to idolization; I recognize my subjects’ flawed humanness. I strive to paint individuals who are authentic by living their truth. 

I make two paintings of each individual and ask the subject to sign both. If they agree, they choose one to keep as a gift. I consider their signature a collaboration. They are marking my work not only with a seal of approval, but a visual representation of their career while affecting the cultural and monetary value of the work. This exchange is a window into the infatuation our culture places on celebrity. It raises the question: What value is imbued in my work with this mark based on the celebrity of that person? Until the painting is signed, I consider it incomplete because it does not match my vision of what the painting can be. I am choosing to give these people, whom I have never met, control and power over my artwork – an apt reflection of the one-way street of influence that celebrities may have on others. My painting style is entrenched in my subject matter: Heroic–scale, physical, and musical. The dots and swirls comprising the image are analogous to notes, riffs, and layers creating a song. They are also like different moments of a game, bright movement, quick action and decision. The culmination, whether athletic or artistic, is a finished performance.