The constant contention between fluid and concrete, worldly and ethereal, austere and indulgent, lends each piece a noticeably vibrant essence that can only come from melding such opposing ideologies.

By subscribing to a multitude of thoughts and emotions–conflicting as they may be–his work is never stagnant, culminating instead in a lush canvas blooming with vitality. Puryear himself is much the same; balancing the humble, forthright charmer with the lofty, esoteric virtuoso. He is a surrealist dreamer stuck in an incontrovertible reality. But much like his paintings, these contradictions fuse effortlessly, creating a singularly remarkable work of art. “My body of work is a conglomeration of my past, present, and even future perceptions of life’s fascinating and enigmatic happenings.

At first glance, my work might seem dark in context with an intentional juxtaposition of vibrant colors. But I challenge you to venture deeper–beyond the canvas’ surface–and identify what each piece evokes within you. Much of the satisfaction I gain from sharing my minds creations is witnessing how the minds of others translate each piece according to their own life’s occurrences and individual perceptions.”