Echoes of Memory

Cover Artist Kevin Gillentine’s Landscapes from the Mind’s Eye

SPENDING A LITTLE TIME with Kevin Gillentine in his Magazine Street gallery was a lovely treat for several reasons, including experiencing his three West Highland Terriers: Maisie, Lily, and Mr. Achille. Kevin’s bright and airy gallery is a soothing and comfortable space adorned with large paintings of his abstract and landscape pieces that reflect a peaceful calm.

Born and raised in Mississippi, Kevin’s artistic interest emerged in his teen years when he began drawing. His talent was recognized early when he created his first painting in art class and was approached by another student seeking to buy it. Ultimately, he sold that painting, but the confidence he gained from the recognition of his talent far outweighed the cash.

After earning his BA from Mississippi State and pursuing graduate studies at the University of Tennessee and FIT in New York City, Kevin launched his career in the vibrant New York art scene. Soon, he found himself engulfed in a world where visual art collided with performance art, painting fabric for costumes in movies and on Broadway sets at Izquierdo Studio. This was a pivotal time and experience in his art career, as it laid the foundation for the artist he would become.

Kevin honed his creative skills in NYC but decided to focus on fine art and design, which would bring him to New Orleans. Over the years, his work has garnered attention from collectors worldwide, including celebrities, sports figures, and CEOs. His art has also appeared nationwide in television, film, and high-end homes.

When discussing his artistic process, Kevin is candid. “I have an idea. I fail miserably. Then I take my failure and reimagine it into something that’s usually way better than my original idea,” he explains. This mindset underscores his resilience and willingness to embrace imperfection as a noteworthy part of his process, resulting in stunning works that evoke a peaceful, almost nostalgic feeling, especially in his landscapes. There is a reason for Kevin to center on the minimal, ethereal, and simple aesthetic he cultivates. “I’ve struggled with panic and anxiety all my life,” he shares. “I use my art to create peacefulness.”

Kevin’s landscapes draw from cherished memories of his youth spent on the water. Whether creeks, lakes, or rivers, each holds a special significance tied to family time. Despite modest means, boating played a central role in his upbringing, creating lasting impressions that continue to inspire his art. He vividly recalls these scenes and translates them onto canvas in a muted, dreamlike state, capturing the gentle essence of those moments. His work channels the tranquility and nostalgia of those days, bringing to life the serene beauty of the places that shaped him. Additionally, light is a major source of inspiration for Kevin, guiding the mood and tone of his pieces.

While his landscapes produce a serene nostalgia, Kevin’s abstract art shifts toward a more introspective exploration through subtle, intentional use of color. This delicate palette adds a soft quality to his abstract compositions, drawing viewers into a space of reflection. Kevin’s abstract art is defined by its subtle yet intentional use of color. He creates compositions that are both minimal and deeply evocative. His delicate palette adds a soft, ethereal quality to his work, inviting viewers to experience introspection.

Kevin hopes those encountering his work for the first time will feel connected. “I put something of myself in each piece, and I’d like to think viewers get a sense of that. From the feedback I’ve gotten over the years, I think they do.”

While he constantly creates new work, he prefers to let the direction of his art evolve naturally. “In my 30+ years of making art, I’ve learned to let ‘what’s next?’ reveal itself,” he notes.

When he isn’t busy painting and seeing after the gallery, Kevin enjoys spending time with his husband and business partner, Vincent Bergeal, and their three Westies, working with ceramics, gardening, cooking, and silk screening.

Kevin Gillentine’s art captures the quiet beauty of the landscapes that have left a lasting mark on him, offering a timeless blend of remembrance and emotion. His abstract work brings a sense of depth and subtle sophistication that draws viewers into a world of color while still having lines and definition. Despite his many impressive achievements, Kevin remains humble, crediting his years of dedication and persistence as the keys to his significant success.