Joren Lindholm: “Between Abstract and Representation”

From Cecile Oreste

Although Joren Lindholm recently joined DC’s Mid City Artists, he is no stranger to the local art scene. He has shown his work at the Studio Gallery in Dupont Circle and Willow Street Gallery in Takoma Park. His work has also been featured locally by Exhibit 9, Gallery Slye and area businesses including the former Common Grounds (now Murkey Coffee) in Arlington, and Habitat Real Estate in Mount Pleasant. Most recently, his work has been featured at thomasdrymonselects.com, and donated to LOTTOheart and the Camp Rehoboth gay and lesbian community center auction raffle.

Lindholm’s main medium is painting, which he uses to create synthetic images that convey reflective themes. They explore emotional or psychological issues, and are frequently inspired by the tension in male-female relationships:

“My work’s premise also has to do with time–a juxtaposition between now and future possibilities,” he said. His art “consistently walks the line between abstract and representation,” provoking viewers to start questioning their perception and to realize that things are not always what they seem.

Lindholm works on his narrative painting full time at his new studio location at 1716 14th Street NW, just above Cork Wine Bar. Previously, he held several art-related occupations. Lindhom worked as an art handler, an associate college art teacher and even worked with the National Gallery of Art publications/sales division.

In addition, Lindholm has extensive knowledge of art through his education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, a Master of Fine Arts from American University and spent two years painting and drawing from the model at the New York Studio School.

When asked about the District compared to the city that doesn’t sleep, he noted that DC is much more manageable than New York. He sees DC as having a unique centralized culture. “I like it because it’s a city that is both cosmopolitan and compact,” he said.

In regards to the cities’ respective art scenes, Lindholm thinks there is more of a mixing and blending together of different niches in DC, which has both positive and negative implications. According to Lindholm, “there is less environmental support to achieve what you want but the good thing is that people question a lot more and are exposed to more things.”

Lindholm hopes his participation with Mid City Artists will over time help his work coalesce with that of artists who work in a similar vein. He also hopes to further develop his blog IMX matter, which he uses to make highlights on art and to sharpen his art critical skills.