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Will Maxen (b. 1993) is a painter whose work reimagines personal and historical imagery into fictional, often abstracted scenes that blur the line between landscape and interior space. Through layered compositions, Maxen explores memory, intimacy, and the shifting nature of place—both literal and metaphorical. Their practice reflects on emotional environments through varying levels of legibility and narrative.

Recent solo exhibitions include Watch as We Float at Fridman Gallery (2025) and And The Land Stands Still at High Line Nine (2024). Maxen has also shown in Reimagining Kinship at Welancora Gallery and A Treatise on Color: Vols. I–IV at Fridman Gallery. They hold a B.A. from Central Connecticut State University and an M.F.A. from UC Davis, and were recently featured in Observer’s coverage of Miami Art Week.

Images in order:

“Couch”, 2024, Oil, acrylic and inkjet transfer on canvas 55 x 60 in.

Installation view: “Fever Dream”, Studio Underground, NYC, 2025

“Untitled (Memorial Day)”, 2024, 24 x 30 in, oil on canvas

Installation View: “Pictures Are Stories”, a two person exhibition with Jack Tozzi, Marrow Gallery, San Francisco, 2024

Installation view: Solo Exhibition “And The Land Stands Still”, UTA Artist Space, NYC, LA.

Detail view: “Their Memory Makes Return Possible 1”, 2024, Oil, acrylic, gesso, house paint and inkjet transfer on canvas, 55 x 43 ¾ in.

Installation view: Felix Art Fair, presented with Residency Art Gallery, LA, 2024

“Untitled (Fourth of July), Oil in canvas, 67 x 102 in, 2024