Artexpo New York 2021, taking place October 28-31, will feature hundreds of talented artists and galleries from around the world. The event, held at Pier 36, is bringing back its popular Spotlight Artist program this year, awarding six cutting-edge artists for their skills and achievements.

Art Business News is featuring each Spotlight Artist leading up to the fair, starting with an artist ABN readers are already well acquainted with, Tom Lohner.

This Spotlight Artist is currently exhibiting a specially created piece at the World’s Fair in Dubai, which premiered on October 1st. Among these great achievements, Lohner recently showcased his work as a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Vienna and was also made an art ambassador, collaborating with Dan Aykroyd’s brand Crystal Head Vodka. He is currently working on another piece for Sting’s wine labels.

At this year’s Artexpo New York, Lohner’s booth will give a powerful and quick insight into the world of Tom Lohner. He will show a mix of hand-painted multiples including rock stars and pop artists as well as three small original paintings reflecting a personal interpretation of today’s fashion world.

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A: Hello, hello! My name is Tom Lohner, I am addicted to painting and creating. Luckily this is more than a positive “addiction.” My passion became my job about five years ago when I sold out my first art show in Vienna. I create acrylic paintings on pre-collaged canvases or wood panels and I am known for my new art deco style. 

Q: What is your background?

A: In 2008, I finished my degree in communication and graphic design in Graz / Austria at the Ortwein College. I worked my way up through commercial and video production design agencies until I found myself as the art director for CC-Lab where I created stage designs for Lady Gaga, Smashing Pumpkins, Fatboy Slim, Eli Goulding, etc. I quickly switched to art after meeting my current manager who told me, “you can only be successful if you put everything onto one card”, which I did…and he was right. I started doing what I loved most, painting. I learned art from French superstar, Nicolas Thomas, and the American painter, Judith Jay.

Q: How do you work?

A: When I have ideas and visions I quickly sketch them into my sketchbook, capturing the idea within a short time. I schedule time for painting, prepare canvases with collage work, paint on it with acrylics, and then lacquer it.

Q: What art do you most identify with?

A: I most identify with pop surrealism, art nouveau, pop art, surrealism, and new urban art movements. 

Q: What has been your favorite experience so far as an artist?

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My three-year-old daughter, my wife, and music. Songs that push me further than I could imagine possible, great artists like Greg Craola Simkins, Lori Early, Mark Ryden, and many others of pop surrealism and the Lowbrow movement. I’m also inspired by the director and crazy mind Tim Burton.

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

A: Focus on what you are doing right now, breathe, and live in the moment. 

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

A: Either in my Whirlpool or with my daughter painting on her mini desk.

Q: Have you been inspired in a new way since the shelter in place orders? Anything new? A recipe, an exercise recommendation?

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