Bio

A.J. Schmitz, born in Skokie, IL, U.S.A. in 1998, is a contemporary abstract painter currently based in Highwood, IL. The artist is best known for his ecstatic and dream-like paintings created with multiple layers of acrylic paint, marker, and colored pencil. Implementing vibrant, harmonious, and symbolic color combinations, his paintings project an unmistakable spirit and encourage viewers to engage in an exercise of pareidolia.

Schmitz’s artistic exploration is a spiritual affirmation of a mystic-oriented mind. Broad in style but consistent in metaphysical reach, each of the artist’s paintings can be interpreted as representations of various different subjects— an homage to polymorphic divinity, or, the idea that the Divine manifests in different ways to different people at different times. While the representational content a viewer projects onto Schmitz’s paintings is largely subjective, the movements, textures, colors and shapes exhibit a common theme: a message beyond the mundane. Inspired by the symbolic color theories of Expressionism, Schmitz’s art acts as a playful attempt to redefine our view of what constitutes a contemporary religious icon.

A.J. Schmitz's work was most notably displayed in his solo exhibition, "The Housewarming," hosted by a private collector in Chicago. His pieces have found homes in the collections of various private collectors in the United States. With a commitment to exploring the boundlessness of Divine expression, Schmitz is a fascinating and timely emerging artist dedicated to reminding us of our spiritual nature through art. 

A.J. Schmitz

Born 1998 in Skokie, IL, U.S.A

Lives and works in Highwood, IL

Exhibitions

2023, The Housewarming. Chicago, IL (solo exhibition)

2025, Exhibition of Compositions by A.J. Schmitz. Evanston, IL (solo exhibition)

Selected Collections

A.J. Schmitz is collected by various private collectors in the U.S.A.

Contact Details

Website: ajschmitz.com

Email: ajschmitzart@gmail.com