Growing up in New York, I’ve been surrounded by street art and graffiti—creations promptly defaced or painted over by (more often than not) rougher marks. While the loss of these works is somewhat tragic, I see a certain poetry in the constant cycle of creation, defacement, and renewal. The psychology of covering art—declaring it a disturbance and replacing it with something arguably more conspicuous—reflects a recurring pattern in both urban and natural systems.
I’m fascinated by this tension between creation and erasure, which often influences my own work.
When I paint and make marks, I don’t focus on aesthetics. Instead, I think about the act of marking itself, asking impossible questions as my gestures evolve into compositions. For me, painting is not about making a picture; it’s about embracing questions that have no answers, and moving forward without seeking resolution. My work is a process of embracing the marks I make, finding a moment of acceptance rather than a conclusion.
Follow Noah on Instagram @noah.boulton to keep up with his ongoing work!
Untitled 7, 2024 11’x14′ acrylic on wood panel Made in Ronnie Landfield’s Class
Untitled 3, 2024 11’x14′ oil pastel on paper Made in Ronnie Landfield’s Class
Untitled 1, 2024 Acrylic and Collage on Canvas Made in Ronnie Landfield’s Class
Untitled 21, 2024 20’x30′ acrylic on canvas Made in Ronnie Landfield’s Class
