New works by Josef Kote.
Josef Kote's art adeptly strikes the balance between abstraction and representation, with each ethereal landscape inviting viewers to embark on a transcendent journey of contemplation and inspiration. Kote's paintings go beyond mere pictorial observations, he captures ephemeral moments that resonate with complex yet universal human experiences. What makes Kote’s work particularly captivating is his meticulous and mastered emphasis on the formal elements of painting, complemented by the infusion of an intangible yet compelling conceptual essence. Though appearing as cohesive and effortlessly crafted, Kote's compositions unveil their true intricacy when deconstructed and examined through the lens of even just a few of the distinct formal and conceptual elements employed in the creation of his singular visual language.
FORMAL ELEMENTS
Color
Immediately evident is Kote’s understanding of color, characterized by a unique palette and vibrant application. The shades upon his canvas may deviate from a precise mimic of nature, but he demonstrates an innate ability to control and orchestrate colors in a manner that infuses his compositions with an authentic–sometimes enchantingly familiar–atmosphere. It should be noted that Kote never uses paint directly from the tube, always creating custom shades through blending or manipulation. Thus, every hue is the product of intentional action–fusing, contrasting, or superimposing–aimed at visually evoking the qualities and ambiance of a given place.
Golden, 48x36, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
In Golden, he depicts the brilliance of the sun through an orb of orange overlaid with a bright white center to emphasize the intensity of heat and light it emits. These exact colors are reflected on the shoreline, with accents of white on top of dashes of orange, illustrating the far-reaching influence of the sun's rays. He then demonstrates a seamless blending of color for the painting’s background, starting from a steel blue and descending into shades of lavender, pink, peach, and orange, until reaching the horizon line, denoted by a thin line of vermillion. Red is used to visually represent the potency of the sun, as seen in the red hues cast upon the supports of the elevated boardwalk, signifying its energetic presence on the surrounding landscape. In this artwork, Kote utilizes color not only for the purpose of constructing and defining physical forms, but also to symbolize abstract elements, bringing the spirit a specific place and moment in time to life.
Texture
The surfaces of Kote’s paintings are intriguing in that they convey a duality of texture and smoothness. Initially, there is a painterly quality visible in his works, best characterized by his jagged brushstrokes in varying layers and directions. This application highlights the process of painting itself, with an emphasis on the physical qualities of the medium. This accentuates painting as a compelling means of interpretive expression, which–displaying influences of Impressionism–prioritizes conveying mood over rigid realism.
Passing, 48x36, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
In Passing, the sun is in its final hour, floating just over the horizon. Above, rapid brushstrokes which vary in size and color but follow a similar direction, evoke an atmospheric force. Whether an approaching storm or simply the onset of nightfall, Kote captures this transitory phenomenon through sweeping motions of paint, using texture to convey an accumulation of energy. At the same time, there is a sheen upon sections of the canvas’s surface, visible especially upon the water, that evoke qualities of smoothness. Movements across the water are not depicted by curves or fluid lines. Instead, they are represented through flat and abrupt dashes of paint. Resembling fragments of glass, the water’s surface becomes a mosaic. It is this mirror-like quality that creates a palpable sense of smoothness, giving the impression that parts of the scene unfold within the canvas, beneath its surface, rather than being painted on top.
Space
In this context, space can refer to the illusion of depth to depict distance between elements in a composition, as well as the distance between the viewer and aforementioned elements. Kote’s paintings use both positive and negative space in order to play with perspective, vastness, and immerse viewers into his creations.
Sheltered, 48x60, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
In Sheltered, Kote displays his mastery of linear perspective: the foreground immersed directly in the sea, the building-lined coast just underneath the horizon line, and a distant lighthouse which pierces the skyline. What makes this perspective intriguing is that it positions the viewer on the water, and the flow of the current gives the sensation of being zoomed out. As we observe the distance, the feeling of detachment from the land intensifies.
Another dimension of Kote's exploration involves intentionally clouding the understanding of space, presenting a challenge for viewers in accurately assessing its dimensions. In the works void of human presence or man-made objects, there is no direct indication of scale for the viewer. Endless is a perfect example, in which a rolling wave is arriving towards the shoreline. Are we wading the shoreline, with the water reaching no higher than just above our ankles? Or are we witnessing a greater scene, a wide-lens view of a vast coast in which the rocks in the left foreground become small cliffs? The uncertainty of whether we are close-up or viewing from above and far out depends on our perspective and how we choose to pace ourselves in Kote’s work.
THEMATIC ELEMENTS
Meditation
When observing many of Kote’s paintings, there is often an overall feeling of tranquility. This is largely in part to his subject matter. He often depicts seascapes, with bodies of water as a significant or even entire part of his compositions. The rhythmic motion of waves crashing onto the shore has long been associated with a sense of relaxation and calmness. The vastness of the ocean evokes feelings of freedom, allowing an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Beach landscapes thus often serve as an ideal space for acts of meditation. The practice of mindfulness and relaxation aims to provide mental clarity and inner peace. Kote’s seascapes provide this visual escape for viewers, allowing them to immerse themselves into a faraway setting–perhaps even imagining specific locations familiar to them–in order to induce feelings of meditation and achieve a state of heightened serenity.
Boundless, 48x36, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
Across the different types of landscapes that Kote paints, there remains this same meditative aura. His forestscapes depict tall trees and foliage that invite and shield the viewer, providing a secluded moment to focus. This metaphorical hike provides a sense of connection to the natural world, promoting present-moment awareness. Even in his cityscapes, he often employs an aerial perspective, with diffused lighting that resembles the sunrise or early morning hours, a rare moment of quiet before people begin populating the streets.
Introspection
Kote’s work also encourages moments of introspection. The process of acknowledging and understanding one’s thoughts and inner experiences is especially symbolized by his paintings of surfers.
Immersed, 48x48, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
In Found My Way, the lone surfer can serve as a universal symbol for the human experience, preparing to navigate challenges. The uncertainty of the water’s patterns comes to mirror our own fears and aspirations that arise in our own lives. The solitary surfer amidst the vast expanse of the ocean further highlights this theme of independence and self-discovery. But the sea is endless, a metaphor for the boundless potential of the human spirit.
White Light, 48x36, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
In White Light, the central subject is a white sailboat perched by a seaside home. This boat reflects themes of journey and exploration. Just as it is made to navigate the waters, it encourages the ideas of leaving behind the familiar to set sail into the unknown, embracing new experiences with a sense of optimism. In Kote's artwork, ordinary people and objects frequently transcend their mundane roles, metamorphosing into symbols that encapsulate the universal voyage of existence and encouraging deeper understanding of our own emotions, motivations, and values.
Harmony
The people that interact within Kote’s visual universe promote a sense of harmony and peaceful coexistence. In many of his works, we can witness a unity between individuals, and a sense of synchronization.
Purity, 48x36, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
In Purity, the father and son bonding by the seaside evokes feelings of love and connection. The tender moment shared between parent and child can be characterized by mutual respect, trust, and affection. In addition, the natural beauty of the beach setting serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all living beings and the harmonious balance that exists within the natural world.
Surfing Purists, 48x48, Acrylic On Canvas, © Josef Kote
Surfing Purists features two individuals who share a common interest, displaying the beauty in enjoying each other’s presence and sharing a passion. Their camaraderie stems from their mutual appreciation for the ocean and their sport creates a bond that transcends any potential differences. These interactions embody the beauty of harmony, inspiring viewers to appreciate or seek out positive connections with others.
Kote’s creative practice is by no means limited to these aforementioned formal and conceptual elements–many more can be stated and analyzed. However, it is clear through even just the concepts highlighted in this article, Kote aims to create more than just visually appealing landscapes. He hopes to provide a backdrop for transcendent experiences.
About the Author:
Natasha Ntone - Curator, art advisor, and art writer based in Paris, originally from Brooklyn. MA in art history with a specialization in contemporary art from la Sorbonne, Paris, France. She has worked at the Smithsonian Institution’s Hirshhorn Museum as well as the Whitney Museum of American Art. Currently she is Chief Curator / Head of Curatorial Projects · SINGULART
