about the artist
Adam Umbach (American, b. 1986)
Born in Chicago and now based in Brooklyn, New York, Adam Umbach is a painter known for his blend of photorealism, abstraction, and formalist experimentation. Inspired early on by the modern masters at the Art Institute of Chicago, Umbach went on to earn his BFA in painting from the University of Wisconsin.
His career began with minimalist explorations inspired by the cryptic names of color swatches, but his practice has since evolved to encompass abstraction, geometric motifs, and expressionist mark-making. Deeply influenced by his surroundings, Umbach’s work reflects the visual language of East Hampton’s coastal palette, Islesboro’s maritime charm, and the gritty graphic energy of New York City's architecture and graffiti.
His imagery often draws on a personal iconography of familiar, nostalgic objects like boats, rubber ducks, teddy bears, and pink flamingo lawn ornaments. While autobiographical in origin, these recurring motifs invite viewers to find their own connections and memories within his work.
SOLO AND TWO PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2023:
Never Grow Up, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, New York, NY
2022:
Reboot: All Play, No Work, Carver Hill Gallery, Rockland, ME
Whimsical Waters, Roman Fine Art, Sag Harbor
2021:
Newfound American Freedom, Chase Edwards Contemporary, Bridgehampton, NY
Halcyon Daze, Roman Fine Art, Sag Harbor, NY
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023:
Art Palm Beach Fair, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, Palm Beach, FL
Inaugural Group Exhibition, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, New York, NY
2022:
Eye-Fi, Carver Hill Gallery, Camden, ME
Life, Death, Hereafter, NYC Culture Club, New York, NY
C/overt Observation, Virgil Catherine Gallery, Hinsdale, IL
Winter Group Show, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, Palm Beach, FL
Re:Emergence, Circle 46 Gallery, Hudson, NY
2021:
Facts and Fictions, Virgil Catherine Gallery, Hinsdale, IL
Fall Group Show, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, Greenwich, CT
Summer Group Show, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, Nantucket, MA
Talismans, Monica King Projects, New York, NY
2020:
Bohemian City NYC, Group Installation Curated by MAGO, New York, NY
Bohemian City Bubblegum, Havens, Sag Harbor, NY
2019:
Bohemian City Miami, Basel Group Showcase Curated by MAGO, Miami, FL
Subtle Impact, White Room Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY
Members’ Show, Guild Hall, East Hampton, NY
2018:
Art on the Edge, Janet Lehr Fine Arts, East Hampton, NY
Spring Showing, Janet Lehr Fine Arts, East Hampton, NY
Sweet Things, Janet Lehr Fine Arts, East Hampton, NY
ART FAIRS:
2024:
Art Miami: Cavalier Ebanks Galleries, Miami, FL
2019:
Market: Art & Design, Janet Lehr Fine Arts, Bridgehampton, NY
Moniker Art Fair, Roman Fine Arts, New York, NY
Philadelphia Art Fair, Janet Lehr Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2018:
Market: Art & Design, Bridgehampton, NY
Moniker Art Fair, Janet Lehr Fine Arts, NY