Bio

A.J. Schmitz, born in Skokie, IL, U.S.A. in 1998, is a contemporary abstract painter currently based in Deerfield, IL. The artist is best known for his ecstatic and dream-like paintings created with multiple layers of acrylic paint, marker, and colored pencil. Implementing vibrant, harmonious, and symbolic color combinations, his paintings project a clear spirit while expecting viewers to engage in an exercise of pareidolia.

Schmitz’s artistic exploration is a spiritual affirmation of a mystic-oriented mind. Broad in style but consistent in metaphysical reach, each of the artist’s paintings may be interpreted as representations of various different subjects— an homage to the pagan idea that the Divine always manifests in different ways to different people at different times. While the representational content a viewer might project onto Schmitz’s paintings is largely subjective, the movements, textures, colors and shapes contained suggest a common theme: a message from beyond the mundane. Inspired by the symbolic color theories of Expressionism, Schmitz’s art acts as a playful attempt to redefine our view of what constitutes a contemporary religious icon.

A.J. Schmitz's work was most notably displayed in his solo exhibition, "The Housewarming," hosted by a private collector in Chicago. His pieces have found homes in the collections of various private collectors in the United States. With a commitment to exploring the boundlessness of Divine expression, Schmitz is a fascinating and timely emerging artist dedicated to return painting to its metaphysical roots. 

A.J. Schmitz

Born 1998 in Skokie, IL, U.S.A

Lives and works in Deerfield, IL

Exhibitions

2023, The Housewarming. Chicago, IL (solo exhibition)

Selected Collections

A.J. Schmitz is collected by various private collectors in the U.S.A.

Contact Details

Website: ajschmitz.com

Email: ajschmitzart@gmail.com