Architect as Artist.

When he was not designing buildings around the world, John Portman created hundreds of paintings and sculptures to adorn the rooms, corridors, and courtyards of his architectural developments, offices and homes.

Rather than telling a story in the narrative sense, Portman's paintings are meditations on universal truths about human nature, life, nature, or the cosmos. However abstract Portman's canvas may appear, they reflect an intention to express the textures and tones of nature. Portman's sculptural forms are often drawn from the history of art, inspired by the art of ancient Mediterranean cultures, Chinese art and calligraphy, or twentieth century abstract artists Portman admires.

Portman's works of fine art are integral to his holistic design approach and serve as a wider outlet for his creative expression. With one rare exception, these works have never before been on public display.