Featured image: Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast, Shyheem Gordon, 2022, acrylic on paper, 12 x 18 in. / 30.48 x 45.72 cm.
Shyheem Gordon’s paintings transcend the ordinary, offering glimpses into moments that feel both personal and universal.
Shyheem Gordon is a contemporary artist whose evocative paintings delve into themes of identity, time, and solitude. His works capture the quiet intensity of everyday life, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nuances and complexities of human experience.
His works explore the quiet spaces of human experience, where emotions and thoughts intersect in contemplative silence. Through his skillful manipulation of light, shadow, and form, Gordon captures scenes that speak to the complexities of identity, time, and the inner workings of the mind. Each piece draws the viewer into a dialogue, encouraging reflection and a deeper appreciation of the often-overlooked nuances of daily life.
Explore our curated selection of contemporary artists from around the globe.
Naturalist Gallery offers artist representation internationally. Apply your art.
Hello Stranger, Shyheem Gordon, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 in. / 101.6 x 76.2 cm.
In "Hello Stranger," Gordon presents a scene that exudes a sense of solitude and introspection. A dark figure peers through a window, obscured by a loosely knotted blue curtain. The surrounding environment—a cluttered windowsill, a fast-food cup, and a coffee maker—grounds the piece in a mundane reality. Yet, there is a palpable tension between the interior and exterior worlds. The viewer is left to ponder who the stranger is and what they are searching for. The composition, dominated by cool hues and fragmented shapes, evokes a mood of quiet disconnection, hinting at themes of isolation and longing. The visible yet veiled figure may represent the artist’s own struggle with identity and the desire for self-understanding in a world that often feels distant and unreachable.
Time Control, Shyheem Gordon, 2024, acrylic on paper, 18 x 18 in. / 45.72 x 45.72 cm.
“Time Control” delves into the realm of self-perception and the fluidity of time. The piece features a distorted self-portrait reflected in a convex surface, suggesting that reality, like time, is subjective and malleable. The playful yet poignant inscription, “time control,” alludes to the human desire to master and understand time, even as it slips through our grasp. Gordon’s use of exaggerated perspective and muted colors creates a dreamlike quality, challenging viewers to question their own perceptions and the way they interact with the passage of time. This artwork serves as a visual metaphor for the introspective journey of reconciling one's inner world with external reality, highlighting the tension between who we are and how we perceive ourselves.
Midnight Oil, Shyheem Gordon, 2024, acrylic on paper, 18 x 12 in. / 45.72 x 30.48 cm.
In “Midnight Oil,” Gordon captures a moment of focused solitude. The painting depicts hands adjusting the wick of an oil lamp, the flame casting a soft, intimate glow. The simplicity of the action contrasts with the deep symbolic resonance of the scene. The lamp, a traditional symbol of knowledge and perseverance, suggests a solitary pursuit of enlightenment or creativity. The hands, rendered in warm, earthy tones, convey a sense of dedication and care, while the surrounding darkness hints at the solitude and quietude of late-night work. The subtle presence of a glass of liquid on the table adds an additional layer of narrative, suggesting a personal ritual or a moment of pause amidst ongoing effort. This piece is a meditation on the quiet strength required to pursue one's passions, often in isolation, against the backdrop of an indifferent world.
Gordon’s work invites viewers to engage deeply, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to find meaning in the mundane. His paintings are rich with symbolism and emotional undercurrents, exploring themes of identity, time, and solitude. By transforming everyday scenes into profound visual statements, Gordon encourages us to look beyond the surface and to consider the complexities that shape our inner and outer worlds. His art resonates with those who seek to understand the deeper layers of human experience, making him a compelling voice in contemporary art.
Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Orientation, Shyheem Gordon, 2022, acrylic on paper, 24 x 18 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 cm.
You may also find the following articles helpful:
The 14 Essential Artists of Impressionism
Expressionism: 20 Iconic Paintings & Their Artists
Renaissance Art: Origins, Influences, and Key Figures
Classical Art Movement: Exploring the History, Artists, and Artworks
Figurative Art: Understanding, Collecting, and Appreciating the Style
Daily Routines of Famous Artists: Learn from the Masters
Top 12 Controversial Artworks That Changed Art History