The Artist
Born outside of St. Louis, Missouri in Bethalto, Illinois, gay
artist John Kohlburn has been a student and teacher of art
for over 30 years. His work has been shown in galleries in
Illinois, Tennessee and Florida and is in private collections
nation-wide. He earned a degree in Art Education
from Southern Illinois University. He and his partner David
are currently living in Nashville, TN. The time spent working
in St. Petersburg, FL has altered and improved his color
palette and his style of painting. His work has varied in
content over his career, but he always returns to the male
figure as his preferred subject. He creates in diverse styles
ranging from classical poses to homo-erotic, all inspired by
the beauty of the male body and spirit. He works primarily
in acrylic on canvas.
Born outside of St. Louis, Missouri in Bethalto, Illinois, gay
artist John Kohlburn has been a student and teacher of art
for over 30 years. His work has been shown in galleries in
Illinois, Tennessee and Florida and is in private collections
nation-wide. He earned a degree in Art Education
from Southern Illinois University. He and his partner David
are currently living in Nashville, TN. The time spent working
in St. Petersburg, FL has altered and improved his color
palette and his style of painting. His work has varied in
content over his career, but he always returns to the male
figure as his preferred subject. He creates in diverse styles
ranging from classical poses to homo-erotic, all inspired by
the beauty of the male body and spirit. He works primarily
in acrylic on canvas.
Artist’s Statement
This artwork is a reflection of my commitment to live openly as a gay man and to depict the lives of
other gay men. Images of men loving men and the celebration of the male form were taboo in the
Midwest where I grew up. The exploration of my passions, interests and fetishes through the
subjects of my pieces allows me to overcome the naivety of those days.
A sense of playfulness, a shift in perspective, and an unexpected focus are intended to allude to
the diversity of gay life in modern America. Our unique perspective has created a culture of
expression that welcomes our creativity. Our connection with each other contributes to the artistic
spirit of our community and is reflected in my paintings. Gay life is colorful, joyous, whimsical and
wild. I hope I have been able to depict these qualities of our lives in my artwork.
This artwork is a reflection of my commitment to live openly as a gay man and to depict the lives of
other gay men. Images of men loving men and the celebration of the male form were taboo in the
Midwest where I grew up. The exploration of my passions, interests and fetishes through the
subjects of my pieces allows me to overcome the naivety of those days.
A sense of playfulness, a shift in perspective, and an unexpected focus are intended to allude to
the diversity of gay life in modern America. Our unique perspective has created a culture of
expression that welcomes our creativity. Our connection with each other contributes to the artistic
spirit of our community and is reflected in my paintings. Gay life is colorful, joyous, whimsical and
wild. I hope I have been able to depict these qualities of our lives in my artwork.
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