WIDE OPEN SPACES: JEREMY BOOTH’S MODERN WEST
In Kentucky’s rolling hills, far from the traditional art capitals, Jeremy Booth is crafting a fresh vision of the American West that’s as bold and intriguing as the wide-open plains he paints. With an eye for minimalism and a passion for storytelling, Booth is reimagining the icons of the Wild West—cowboys, desert landscapes, and sprawling skies—through a strikingly modern lens. His compositions are spare but powerful, capturing the rugged resilience and adventure that have come to define the West.
The cowboy lifestyle resonates deeply with Booth, embodying values of honesty, hard work, and simplicity. In each piece, he honours this ethos, painting characters that are both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. His journey from commercial art, where he crafted campaigns for brands like Apple, Warby Parker, and Nike, to fine art has only sharpened his style. Booth’s artwork has found a place in prestigious spaces, including the auction rooms of Christie’s, solidifying his position in the fine art world while retaining the raw spirit of his Kentucky roots.
In a state better known for bluegrass and bourbon, Booth is quietly fueling a vibrant creative scene, drawing inspiration from Kentucky’s landscapes and its rich, though often overlooked, artistic culture. The art world may look to New York or LA, but here, Booth is building a world that feels distinctly his own—and uniquely Kentucky.
Jeremy’s shift from commercial art to fine art was not just a change in medium but a rediscovery of purpose. He reflects on his Kentucky roots, shaped by rural landscapes and horse racing—a backdrop that, while not strictly Western, subtly laid the groundwork for his fascination with the cowboy motif. “Living in horse racing country and having a dad who owned horses helped spark my interest in the West,” he says. This connection with the land and the stories of the American frontier became central to his work, finding life through his clean, graphic aesthetic.
While the Western theme might seem like an unusual choice for an artist from Kentucky, Booth’s work feels right at home in this part of the country, where open landscapes are abundant. Kentucky’s vast, rolling hills offer a sense of scale and humility, mirroring the expansive deserts and mountains of the West. Booth describes these open lands as places that bring him peace and clarity, feeding into the minimalistic quality of his art. “These rural areas are breathtaking,” he says. “They make me feel small and inspired. While my work reflects the Western landscape more directly, Kentucky indirectly inspires me through its vastness and quiet strength.”
The local art scene in Kentucky may be small, but it is robust, a thriving community of artists and makers forging their paths. Though Booth’s clientele spans the globe, he remains connected to his roots, engaging in projects that showcase Kentucky’s growing creative spirit. One notable collaboration took place with Rabbit Hole, a Louisville-based distillery that commissioned Booth to design a mural. “That project was special,” he shares. “The owner and creative team were fantastic, and it felt meaningful to create something local, something that’s part of Kentucky’s artistic fabric.”
In his career, Booth has had the opportunity to work with top-tier brands like Nike and Apple, and his art has been auctioned by Christie’s. He credits his Kentucky base with providing a unique edge. “It’s an advantage, in a way. Big brands are used to working with artists in major cities, so when they find someone doing something interesting in a smaller city, it feels more authentic,” he says. With the backing of a supportive agency, Booth has built a bridge from Kentucky to the international art world, proving that talent can thrive anywhere.
Booth’s modern take on traditional Western themes aligns well with Kentucky’s own identity, a place where historic roots coexist with contemporary growth. “I grew up in Louisville, which gave me a taste of modern growth, but I also got to experience Kentucky’s more rural settings,” he reflects. This duality influences his work, allowing him to blend classic Americana with a sleek, minimal approach. His art captures the enduring spirit of the West, yet it’s grounded in the authenticity and warmth of his Kentucky heritage.
As Kentucky continues to attract more artists and creators, Booth envisions a future where the state is recognized as a genuine art hub. He hopes to play a role in that transformation, encouraging other artists to pursue their passions locally. “You don’t have to leave the place you love to chase your dreams,” he says. “I want to show people that you can create something meaningful right here.” For Booth, Kentucky isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a muse, a canvas, and a community, all intertwined with his journey to capture the spirit of the American West in a way that is both fresh and profoundly connected to his roots.
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