Nothing defines rock and roll quite like the electric guitar, according to artist Michael Babyak. It’s only appropriate, Babyak believes, that the instrument be properly immortalized in art. Babyak considers his paintings as “a balance between intellect and intuition”—melding an appreciation of the craftsmanship of the guitar and the energy and improvisation associated with its music. Indeed, Babyak’s artwork is best understood as an exploration of the power of the electric guitar. While many other artists focus on the guitar player, Babyak’s sole focus is on the instrument itself. Around the guitar, the clashing colors and overlapping streaks and, occasionally, words—often reminiscent of the work of Jasper Johns—recall the explosions of sound and audience interaction at a rock concert, and the energetic style of painting conveys an overall sense of movement. A master colorist, Babyak fills his paintings with explosive triadic colors, heavy textures, and gold and silver leaf to draw the viewer’s eye over the entire canvas.
 

Paintings on Wood Panel
Paintings on Canvas