Giles Jackson Pates is a fine artist based in New York City. A lifelong painter, Pates’ work is a
deep exploration of human connection, particularly through communal spaces. Growing up as a
millennial, he experienced the shift from a world without technology to one fully immersed in
it—a transformation that left him longing for the sense of community that once existed in
simpler, unmediated spaces. As an artist, a profession inherently solitary, Pates has come to
realize the importance of these spaces in nurturing true human connections.
At the heart of Pates’s work is an ongoing exploration of environments where people gather to
share experiences—neighborhood basketball courts, kitchens, parks—places where the
richness of human connection thrives. His paintings, however, do not show the people within
these spaces; rather, they depict the empty, still moments of communal places, evoking a sense
of tranquility while subtly commenting on the lack of connection that defines modern life. By
presenting these spaces devoid of people, Pates underscores the absence of the community we
once took for granted, sparking reflection on what we’ve lost and what remains.
Pates works primarily with gouache on wood painting panels, a medium that allows him to
capture both the emotional resonance and the stillness of the spaces he depicts. Though his
work is bright and colorful, gouache’s flat, matte finish and complete lack of sheen further
ground the paintings in a sense of tranquility and ease. This flatness enhances the stillness of
the scenes, reinforcing a quiet reflection and emphasizing the absence of human presence.
Through this tactile approach, Pates merges his love of painting with his deep emotional
connection to the themes of community and belonging. With a background in fine arts and a
degree from Pratt Institute, Pates’s work has been exhibited in several solo and group shows,
including his debut solo exhibition in downtown Manhattan in 2022.
A native New Yorker, Pates draws inspiration from the unique energy and diversity of the city. His artistic journey delves into the essence of shared spaces, aiming to unravel the threads that bind communities together. In a previous series, Pates delved into interior spaces where people forged connections through the universal language of music. Currently, Pates is immersed in a new series that captures the essence of neighborhood basketball hoops and the communities that gather around them. Through his lens, he seeks to narrate the profound reality of human connections within shared spaces. With an acute sensitivity to the nuances of community life, Pates endeavors to reveal the stories that unfold when people come together, emphasizing the beauty found in everyday interactions. As Pates continues to evolve as an artist, his work serves as a poignant reflection of the intricate tapestry of human connection, inviting viewers to explore and contemplate the deeper layers of our shared experiences.