John Arsenault

ARTIST

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b. 1971

Raised in a small town in northern Massachusetts, John Arsenault moved to New York City in 1997 to pursue a degree in photography at the School of Visual Arts. His photographs are represented in the permanent collections of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park, Kansas; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Leslie-Lohman Museum in New York City. His first monograph Barmaid was published in 2015 with Daylight Books, and his second monograph For You! came out in 2017 also with Daylight Books.

Series

Barmaid

John Arsenault’s “Barmaid” series is a contemporary reimagining of Édouard Manet’s iconic painting.
By setting his own work in the Eagle L.A., Arsenault captures the essence of a gay leather bar, mirroring Manet’s exploration of nightlife and human interaction.

For You!

John Arsenault’s “For You!” series is a contemporary exploration of floral photography. Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe and 17th-century Dutch flower painters, Arsenault captures the beauty of roses in intimate detail. The series also reflects the artist’s personal connection to his grandmother and her love of flowers.

Self Portraits

John Arsenault’s self-portraits are a humorous and honest exploration of his life as a young, gay artist. Through his lens, Arsenault creates absurd and often erotic scenarios, offering a commentary on society and identity.

Miscellaneous

This collection of photographs showcases the diverse range of John Arsenault’s work, capturing a variety of subjects and styles over the past decade. The images offer a glimpse into the artist’s unique perspective and creative vision.

Kathy’s Beauty Nook

John Arsenault’s series captures the vibrant and intimate atmosphere of his aunt’s hair salon. The photographs document the lives of the women who have been part of this community for generations, celebrating their bonds and shared experiences.

Exhibitions

American Queen, American Dream: 30 Years of Self Portraits by John Arsenault

ClampArt presents “American Queen, American Dream: 30 Years of Self-Portraits by John Arsenault.” This exhibition showcases three decades of Arsenault’s self-portraits, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and social commentary. Through his humorous and honest approach, Arsenault offers a personal and insightful reflection on his life and experiences as a gay artist.

Barmaid

ClampArt presents “Barmaid,” a photographic exploration of the Eagle LA, a legendary gay bar in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

John Arsenault’s intimate portraits and candid snapshots capture the bar’s unique atmosphere and the diverse community that frequents it. Inspired by Édouard Manet’s iconic painting “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère,” Arsenault’s work offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional bar scene.

For You!

ClampArt presents “For You!”, a solo exhibition of John Arsenault’s intimate flower photographs. This series, captured on an iPhone and shared on Instagram, showcases Arsenault’s exploration of beauty in the everyday, paying homage to his grandmother and the rich history of floral painting.

A Ghost is Occupying My Heart

ClampArt presents “A Ghost is Occupying My Heart,” a new exhibition of photographs by John Arsenault. This series explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal growth, featuring self-portraits and evocative landscapes. The exhibition reflects the artist’s time in Provincetown, where he sought solace and inspiration after a significant relationship ended.

Filthy Gorgeous

ClampArt presents “Filthy Gorgeous: Self-Portraits by John Arsenault,” a collection of self-portraits that explore the artist’s identity, sexuality, and relationships. Through a blend of humor and honesty, Arsenault offers a personal and insightful look at his life.

Kathy’s Beauty Nook

ClampArt presents “Kathy’s Beauty Nook,” a photographic exploration of a small-town hair salon and the community of women who have gathered there for generations. Through his lens, John Arsenault captures the intimate moments, humor, and enduring bonds that have shaped these women’s lives.