Michael Gross, a Chicago-born painter and printmaker, creates expressive, emotionally charged artworks that explore his personal struggles and perceptions of the world. Influenced by Abstract Expressionists like de Kooning, Diebenkorn, and Pollock, Gross constructs lyrical, layered compositions filled with vibrant color, gestural lines, and dynamic textures. Though primarily non-representational, his work often reflects abstract interpretations of landscapes and everyday scenes.
He describes his process as a physical and spiritual act—grappling with chaos and striving to achieve visual balance. His paintings, which once appeared monochromatic, reveal a hidden complexity of color and texture upon closer inspection. Constantly in motion while working, Gross seeks to resolve opposing forces—emotion and reason, light and darkness—through a rapid, immersive practice. Ultimately, he hopes his art invites viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty and complexity of life.