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Draft:Yanik Wagner

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Yanik Wagner
Born1986 (age 38–39)
NationalityAmerican
Known forPainting
Websiteyanikw.com

Yanik Wagner (born 1986) is a contemporary American painter based in Brooklyn, New York, and known for his paintings of landscapes and interiors.[1] His work often explores themes of solitude or transience.[2][3]

Biography and Education

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Yanick Wagner was born in 1986 in the United States.[4]

Wagner completed his undergraduate studies at the San Francisco Art Institute, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). He later obtained a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Bard College’s Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts.[4]

Wagner’s education placed an emphasis on observational drawing, the history of American landscape painting, and theories of perception—all of which continue to influence his artistic practice.[3]. Wagner is married to Michelle DeFeo.[4]

Artistic style and themes

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Wagner works primarily in oil on linen, employing a layered and muted palette that frequently depict roads or deserted structures.[2][3] His compositions are typically spare, focusing on a limited number of visual elements.[1] His process often involves working from photographic references, which he paints as atmospheric scenes. These works rarely contain human figures and suggest narratives that remain open to interpretation.[2]

Wagner’s paintings of transitory spaces—such as rural highways, corridors, and half-lit interiors—reflects his inquiry into psychological ambiguity.[2] The motif of the road, particularly in his recurring depictions of rain-soaked expressways, illustrates his interest with movement and destination. Many of his compositions depict scenes at twilight, dusk, or inclement weather.[3]

Wagner’s use of color, particularly shades of blue, enhances the atmospheric quality of his paintings, evoking emotions ranging from serenity to melancholy. Road in Rain (2022) shows solitary vehicle on a rain-slicked road discernible by its glowing taillights.[2][3]

Wagner’s style is often situated within the lineage of American tonalism and post-minimalist painting.[3] Wagner's work has been compared with Edward Hopper for his psychological use of architecture and space, and to Gerhard Richter for his atmospheric treatment of imagery.[3][5]

Career and exhibitions

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Below is a summary of his recent exhibitions:

Solo Exhibitions

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  • Normal Day, 2025, Frosch &Co, New York, NY[5]
  • Unmapping, 2022, Frosch &Co, New York, NY[6]
  • Eponymous, 2020, Frosch & Portmann, New York, NY
  • Projections, 2015, Alex Arden Gallery, New York, NY

Group Exhibitions

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  • Out of the Blue, 2024, Frosch &Co, New York, NY[7]
  • Wanderlust, 2023, Frosch &Co, New York, NY[8]
  • Future Fair, 2023, Future Fair, New York, NY
  • VOLTA, 2019, VOLTA, Basel, Switzerland
  • Two for the Road, 2018, Frosch & Portmann, New York, NY
  • Seeking Space, 2017, Beyond Studios, Brooklyn, NY
  • Making the Future, 2016, David Schweitzer Contemporary, Brooklyn, NY

References

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  1. ^ a b "Yanik Wagner". meer.com. Meer. February 29, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Out of the Blue". meer.com. Meer. August 8, 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Stevenson, Jonathan (August 8, 2024). "Chromatic propulsion at Frosch & Co". twocoatsofpaint.com. Two Coats of Paint. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Wagner, Yanik. "Artist's website". yanikw.com. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Normal Day". artsy.net. Artsy. 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  6. ^ "Unmapping". artsy.net. Artsy. 2022. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  7. ^ "Out of the Blue". artsy.net. Artsy. 2024. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
  8. ^ "Wanderlust". artsy.net. Artsy. 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
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