What’s Ripe Will Rot continues Justin Cole’s exploration of life and death’s cyclical nature. In this collection, Cole captures the enormity of time’s passage and surrenders it to the earth. Flowers burn, feral and untamed. Fading figures are conjured in desolate landscapes. In this world, there are no beginnings or endings, only the uncertain middle. With each passing moment, the subjects disappear further into the unknown.
Justin Cole, What’s Ripe Will Rot, Installation View at Lyles & King
Justin Cole
Apricity, 2025
Oil on panel
18 x 24 inches, 45.7 x 61 cm
Justin Cole
Nightshade, 2025
Oil on canvas
14 x 30 inches, 35.6 x 76.2 cm
Justin Cole
Dystopic Dreaming, 2025
Oil on panel
30 x 30 inches, 76.2 x 76.2 cm
Justin Cole, What’s Ripe Will Rot, Installation View at Lyles & King
Cole creates paintings that are emotionally stimulating rather than stringently narrative. His work touches on the human condition, levels of consciousness, and death.
Restraint and intentionality are at the core of Cole’s work. His paintings almost exclusively focus on one subject, keeping the narrative contained. The palette is refined, and the composition is simple yet effective. There are no distracting elements — the most intriguing components are uncovered within the subtleties. The more you study the paintings, the more the dimension expands.
Justin Cole
Lucent, 2025
Oil on canvas
18 x 24 inches, 45.7 x 61 cm
Justin Cole
Acquiescence, 2025
Oil on panel
16 x 20 inches, 40.6 x 50.8 cm
Justin Cole
Transgressor, 2025
Oil on panel
18 x 24 inches, 45.7 x 61 cm
Justin Cole, What’s Ripe Will Rot, Installation View at Lyles & King