About

Joshua Batterson is a multidisciplinary visual artist whose work explores the intersection of surrealism, abstraction, and futuristic aesthetics. Born in New York to Waldorf School educators, Josh's early years were shaped by a profound cross-cultural experience when his family relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa in the early 1980s. Growing up during the final years of apartheid and witnessing its dismantling during his high school years left an indelible mark on his worldview—one that continues to inform his art’s depth and socio-political undercurrents. Upon returning to the United States, Josh lived in New York, Massachusetts, and New Mexico before ultimately settling in Los Angeles, where he spent over two decades. There, he formally studied 3D animation and design, developing a distinctive artistic language that diverged from traditional animation and gravitated toward surreal and abstract expressions. His work merges human and technological forms within surreal, often dystopian landscapes, drawing inspiration from cyberpunk cinema and post-humanist philosophy. Josh’s visual style is characterized by the use of transparent materials, neon lighting, and reflective surfaces—elements that align with digital art and layered mixed-media collage. His creations delve into the tension between organic life and artificial systems, addressing themes such as the climate crisis, artificial intelligence, and the erosion of natural ecosystems in the digital age. Professionally, Josh has held roles in facilities operations, film marketing, and human resources, which have all enriched his perspective and narrative approach as an artist. He recently relocated to Clara City, Minnesota, where he continues to evolve his practice and produces work that challenges, captivates, and envisions alternative futures.