Summer 2026 Artist of the Season
Bold, expressive color and an adventurous dialogue with nature define the work of this summer’s Artist of the Season, Naomi Clark. Her Action Paintings reinterpret the legacy of mid-century Abstract Expressionism — recording artworks in fleeting collaboration with water, earth, and sky. Created on summer travels and at home in Brooklyn, New York, her practice explores abstraction, emotion, and chance encounters.
Select works are available for purchase throughout the show.
NAME: Naomi Clark
INSTAGRAM: @naomisclarkstudio
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL? Morning person!
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT OR CARPE DIEM? A little of both! Practice is very important, but carpe diem is the zest of life — and keeps things fresh and inspired.
MOUNTAIN OR BEACH? Mountains in the summertime
LAST MEAL: Goat meat pepper soup and pounded yam (my husband is a Nigerian chef!)
ON YOUR BOOKSHELF: Reductionism in Art and Brain Science by Eric Kandel
When did you first realize you were an artist?
I knew I was an artist, even from a very young age. I always had an urge to paint on walls — really, really big. I also remember coloring in Kindergarten, thinking that I had to cover the whole page with color — no white space showing. I remember thinking that was a rule.
“My work takes many forms, but I have a painter's approach.”
How has your art or process evolved over the years?
I have a lot more patience for my practice now. When I started painting, I had this frenetic energy, like I had to get something out or I would lose it. I think more now and find ways to plan and work on my art even when not physically painting.
For my Action Painting series, I have had to dive into video and photography to record the actions. My work takes many forms, but I have a painter's approach.
Your Action Painting series places large painted collages in natural environments — what’s that process like?
Each one is a bit of an adventure. I love being outside in nature, hiking, or swimming. While I'm there, I will be thinking about how I could suspend, float, tie, etc., in this environment without leaving a trace. The weather, the surroundings, the tree, and the water become the gallery. I often include water because of its natural movement. Once I have scouted a scene, I then will make a piece that I think will work in that environment.
How has your Action Painting series influenced your other work?
I am always thinking about negative space in painting. Since starting the Action Painting work, when I go back to a traditional canvas, that space has opened up. The movement that is inherent to my work has also opened up a bit. I like to think of fabric as a fluid object that transforms space, so when I am limited to a canvas, it continues to move and breathe.
“I recently got out of a multi-year rut. It just suddenly broke, like a rain storm when the air has been heavy with humidity.”
Do you ever feel creatively ‘stuck’ and, if so, how do you work through it?
Oh yes, I think it is important to speak about this because it can feel like a deficit when it's happening, but I think it's really quite normal. I trust that my creativity is still there, just resting, and I try to keep an active practice to work through tough times.
I recently got out of a multi-year rut. It just suddenly broke, like a rain storm when the air has been heavy with humidity. It felt so good, and I can't really tie it to one specific thing, but I am happy to have broken through to the other side.
Who, what, or where has inspired you lately?
I teach art, and recently we were making kites — that has been so fun to experiment with.
I also really loved Sam Gilliam's show at Pace a couple of months ago, and the Helen Frankenthaler show at Gagosian.
“My paintings feel like a force outside myself.”
How does the history of Abstract Expressionism inform your work?
The term "Action Painting" I use for the works set in nature is a direct riff on the Abstract Expressionists, kind of turned on its head. The paintings are in action — a verb, versus a noun. To me, it speaks to the movement and life that abstract painting inspires. My paintings feel like a force outside myself, which I think is a distinct difference from the 1950's version, which feels more about the life of the person than the artwork itself.
Dream collaboration? (Could be a brand, a fellow artist, or an organization)
HERMÈS! I have always wanted to collaborate on a series of hand-painted silk scarves. I am also a HUGE fan of Rachel Comey. I would love to work with her on a print.
What advice would you give to an emerging artist? What has been important to you in building a life as an artist?
Take opportunities, make opportunities, and get yourself out there! Look for shows to apply for, go to openings, and keep your cup full with inspiration.
THANK YOU, NAOMI!