Laurence Young

---

Personal Statement

“The human form has always captivated me in ways that other imagery cannot,” says Laurence Young of his current works on canvas as well as mixed media on paper.

Young goes on to say, “In painting the figure, I find that it’s like holding up a mirror to oneself, reflecting the most vulnerable of feelings regardless of time or place. It can be objective or subjective depending on the intent, revealing bits and pieces of who we are.” For Young, the human form is not merely a subject, but a conduit—one that engages the viewer while offering insight into humankind and our shared emotional landscape.

His new body of work uses the figure to explore the relationship of one character to another through gesture, posture, and placement on the canvas. These spatial relationships establish a quiet tension, creating a visual dialogue that suggests connection, isolation, intimacy, or distance. The resulting compositions form narratives that move beyond surface appearances, inviting the viewer to sense an inner story unfolding within the work.

Color, line, and abstraction play a vital role in Young’s process. Rather than rendering literal environments, he constructs emotional spaces where figures exist in a state of reflection or exchange. This balance between representation and abstraction allows the paintings to remain open-ended, encouraging personal interpretation while maintaining an emotional anchor.

“Collectively we experience life’s ups and downs,” Young reflects, “albeit those experiences play out differently.” This belief allows each painting to take on a personal scenario—one shaped as much by the viewer’s lived experience as by the artist’s intent. “My objective,” Young says, “is to invite the observer to explore his or her interpretation of the work as reflected in their own life.” Each painting alludes to a story meant to resonate not only visually, but emotionally and personally, creating a space for quiet recognition and self-discovery.

Born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Laurence Young earned his BFA in Art Education from the University of Hartford and an MFA in Printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design. A full-time studio artist in Provincetown, Young’s work has been exhibited widely throughout New England and beyond. His paintings are included in numerous private and corporate collections, admired for their vibrant palette, dynamic line, and emotional resonance