Wiley Holton

I am a Boston-born and -based abstract artist whose work is an exploration of geometry, color theory, and mental health.

My kaleidoscope paintings articulate the chaos, anxiety, and depression that stem from my ADHD and, in depicting how my brain feels and functions, challenge the misconceptions that people attach to this neurological disorder and mental illnesses in general. When randomly starting new centers of the kaleidoscope, I intentionally break the ordered geometric pattern I have so meticulously created, provoking the viewer to question what they are seeing and not seeing amongst the smudged lines. Each piece explores contrast between the background and the lines themselves, demonstrating a complexity of vision, emotion, and experience. My style continues to evolve with my evolving understanding of myself.

Beginning with the addition of filling in the shapes of the kaleidoscopes with color in her Emergent Series, I explore the concept of finding peace amongst the chaos, of art as remedy.

My Horizon Lines style, which breaks down nature into its core colors and explores the vast range of hues between them, marks a continued study of meditation, even nostalgia.

In my newest series, “Motion,” I aim to bridge the abstr...

BA in Studio Art: Painting from Colby College in Maine.

Superfine Art Fair, New York City, September 2023.

“EXPONENTIAL,” Jessica Hagen Fine Art + Design, Newport Rhode Island, August 2023.

“Exhibit New England ’23,” North Shore Art Association of Gloucester, Gloucester MA, July 2023.

“Beautiful Fragile Earth,” Gallery Sitka, Newport RI, April-May 2023.

“Members Prize Show,” Cambridge Art Association, Cambridge MA, March-April 2023.

“Talking Points,” Cambridge College, Charlestown MA, February 2023.

“Small Works,” Main Street Arts, Clifton Springs NY, November 2022.

Boston International Fine Art Show, Boston MA, October 2022.

“Awakening + Furor,” Roaring Artist Gallery, Online Gallery, September 2022.

“Liminal II,” Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland OR, August 2022.

"Exhibit N.E., NSAA Regional Juried Show," North Shore Art Association of Gloucester, Gloucester MA, June 2022.

"Exhibition One," North Shore Arts of Gloucester, Gloucester MA, April 2022.

“9th Annual Abstract Sanctuary,” Verum Ultimum Gallery, Portland OR, March 2022.

“Members Prize Show,” Cambridge Art Association, Cambridge MA, March 1-19, 2022.

“BLUE 2021,” Cambridge Art Association, Cambridge MA, November 9-27, 2021.

50th Anniversary Exhibition, Dedham Art Association, Dedham MA, October 2021.

“Grandeur of ...