Jason Middlebrook was born in Jackson, Michigan in 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Master of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute. He also completed an Independent Study Program at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
His artistic journey is a narrative of transformation, both personal and creative. Brought up in California during the height of countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, Middlebrook's upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and a rebellious spirit that would come to define his artistic practice. After years of honing his craft in the bustling art scene of Brooklyn, Middlebrook made the pivotal decision to relocate to the Hudson Valley, seeking refuge from urban chaos and finding renewed inspiration amidst the tranquility of rural life.
The move marked a profound shift in Middlebrook's artistic perspective, prompting him to reevaluate his relationship with nature and the environment. His work, once characterized by tension between nature and urbanization, evolved into a poignant exploration of humanity's impact on the natural world. Drawing from his experiences and memories of growing up in California, Middlebrook's art became a reflection of his deep-seated environmental consciousness and a call for greater accountability toward the planet.
Central to Middlebrook's artistic ethos is a commitment to experimentation and innovation. Blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture, he navigates seamlessly between mediums, creating a body of work that is as diverse as it is visually compelling. His iconic plank sculptures, inspired by the natural beauty of indigenous hardwoods, serve as a testament to his reverence for the environment and his belief in art as a vehicle for social and environmental change. He often references abstractionists of the 20th century. His signature works involve carving and shaping tree trunks into canvases for geometric compositions that reference works by artists such as Ellsworth Kelly, Bridget Riley, and Frank Stella.
As a father and an artist, Middlebrook's work is deeply influenced by his personal experiences and familial relationships. His daughters, growing up amidst the creative chaos of his studio, serve as both muses and critics, inspiring him to push the boundaries of his artistic practice and explore new avenues of expression.
Looking ahead, Middlebrook remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his art, constantly striving to create work that is both visually captivating and intellectually engaging. Whether through his iconic plank sculptures, vibrant mosaic installations, or introspective paintings, Middlebrook continues to challenge conventions and provoke thought, leaving a mark on the world of art.
Recent solo exhibitions include Bill Arning Gallery, Houston, TX; Galleria Giampaolo Abbondio, Todi, Italy; Miles McEnery Gallery, New York, NY; David Smith Gallery, Denver, CO; Moss Arts Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; Gallery 16, San Francisco, CA; LaMontagne Gallery, Boston, MA; Jeff Bailey Gallery, Hudson, NY; Lora Reynolds Gallery, Austin, TX; Galleria Pack, Milan, Italy; David B. Smith Gallery, Denver, CO; Lora Reynolds Gallery, Austin, TX; Gallery 16, San Francisco, CA; and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Catskill, NY.
Middlebrook’s work has been included in group exhibitions at the Children’s Museum of the Arts, New York, NY; Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz, NY; Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, MA; Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver, CO; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA; Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL; Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, CA; Parco Archeologico di Siponto, Siponto, Italy; Peters Projects, Santa Fe, NM; Pizzuti Collection, Columbus, OH; and the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, among others.
His work may be found in the collections of the Addison Gallery of American Art, Andover, MA; Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO; Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, MA; Marte Museum, San Salvador, El Salvador; Redmond, WA; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL; The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY; NASA Art Program, Washington, D.C.; New Museum, New York, NY; Pizzuti Collection, Columbus, OH; US Embassy, Podgorica, Montenegro; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY, and elsewhere.
Middlebrook lives and works in Hudson, NY.