John Westbay
Born in 1990, in Brooklyn NY, John Westbay is a contemporary artist living and working in New York City. Inspired by his city of birth, John’s work gives you a glimpse inside of his consistently colorful mind.
His professional endeavors started in 2013 when he found a love for creating street art. By the next year, he started working full time to perfect his craft where he found a true passion for producing works that represent his youthful and humanist approach towards life. “I have one goal. To always keep the inner-doodling child alive, and to share images of positivity, inspiration, and love.” Through his relentless dedication, and progression as an artist; his paintings have been included in galleries and collections across the U.S., Europe, and Middle East.
Enamored by the rich history of the city, Westbay seeks inspiration from the greats who came before him, e.g. Keith Haring, Basquiat, Warhol, and Kenny Scharf. “These guys are the reason NYC is what it is today. Just like what the post-impressionists did in Paris in the 1920’s, these artists truly put NYC at the forefront in the 1980’s and made it the epicenter of the global art scene. My goal is to keep this going and make my own characters synonymous with this city as well.”
A pioneer within the framework of creating a new mold for the modern day artist, John’s pieces are expansive, yet simple; evoking the kind of feeling we get through the essence of love. It’s this kind of genuine love that allows him to blur the lines between fine and commercial art like many of the most prolific artists of his generation, e.g. Kaws, Ron English, Shepard Fairy. While utilizing his own iconic imagery through various mediums, Westbay found a calling for streetwear and has released limited edition clothing that coincide with his style and brand.
No matter the medium, Westbay’s body of work, all tied together through his one consistent message is the culmination of the pulse and soul that brings us together. A collection of pieces that are actually part of a bigger picture where humanity lives through love, and beats to a rhythm that never subsides.