The question “Is Alex Hirsch Alive?” might lead you to wonder about the contemporary artist Alex Hirsch, known for his captivating works in watercolor and glass. Yes, Alex Hirsch is indeed alive and continues to create thought-provoking art from his base in Portland, Oregon. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in the observation of nature and the complexities of the human condition.
Abstract watercolor painting by contemporary artist Alex Hirsch, showcasing his nature-inspired themes and exploration of harmony.
Hirsch’s artistic philosophy centers around exploring the interplay of harmony and tension, seeking grace within chaos. He masterfully employs beauty as a tool to evoke pleasure and facilitate emotional connection with his audience. His creative process embraces both deliberate control and serendipitous chance, navigating the realms of dark and light, delicacy and power. Through landscapes, metaphors, symbolism, and abstraction, Hirsch delves into energy and mood, crafting visual experiences intended to resonate physically, spiritually, and emotionally with viewers. He hopes his art fosters a sense of openness and awe, transforming visual perception into an almost auditory experience.
Drawing inspiration from nature’s breathtaking beauty, the force of weather phenomena, and the richness of personal experience, Alex Hirsch infuses his creations with honesty and illumination. Much like the tradition of Chinese literati painting, he uses nature as a language to articulate internal experiences and profound ideas, aiming to stimulate the viewer’s mind through mystery and imaginative leaps.
Hirsch’s choice of media, watercolor and glass, reflects his diverse artistic approach. Watercolor, for him, is an intimate and intuitive medium, offering a low-tech yet deeply expressive form. Glass, on the other hand, allows for grander scales and architectural integration, presenting a different kind of visual enchantment. His glass artistry is informed by painting principles, yet he acknowledges glass’s dynamic nature, its appearance shifting with light and perspective, making each installation a living entity. Interestingly, this characteristic of changing appearance based on viewpoint and lighting is now also present in some of his paintings, blurring the lines between his chosen mediums.
Alex Hirsch’s impactful artwork has been recognized and included in numerous prestigious collections, such as the United States Embassy in Bulgaria, Oregon Health and Sciences University, and McKinsey & Company, among many others. His solo exhibitions, including “Once Asunder” and “Meditations on Equilibrium,” have showcased his unique artistic vision to a wider audience. His artistic endeavors have also been supported by grants from esteemed institutions like the Oregon Arts Commission and The Ford Family Foundation. With a strong educational background including degrees from the University of Michigan and Washington University, Alex Hirsch continues to contribute significantly to the contemporary art world from his studio in Portland, Oregon, proving definitively that Alex Hirsch is alive, well, and actively shaping the landscape of contemporary art.
