Internationally acclaimed Pop Artist, Burton Morris, is celebrated for his bold and graphic depictions of American icons. His vibrant artworks, characterized by radiant black outlines and vivid colors, transform everyday objects into emblematic statements of contemporary popular culture.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1964, Morris’s artistic journey began early, influenced by the dynamic comic strips and magazines he admired during his childhood. This early fascination is evident in his distinctive style, which employs simplified forms and action lines to convey movement, infused with rich acrylic colors that emit energy.
Morris earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1986. Following graduation, he embarked on a career as an art director in advertising, honing his skills in visual communication. In 1990, he established the Burton Morris Studios, marking a pivotal shift to large-scale paintings that focus on singular subjects, creating what he describes as “an instant happening” for the viewer.
His work gained national attention in 1992 when Absolut Vodka selected his art to represent Pennsylvania in its prestigious Absolut Statehood campaign. Further prominence came in 1994 when his paintings were featured in the Central Perk coffee shop on the NBC television sitcom “Friends” for over ten seasons, embedding his art into global pop culture.
Throughout his career, Morris has produced signature artworks for major international events, including the Summer Olympic Games, the 76th Annual Academy Awards, the MLB All-Star Game, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the FIFA World Cup, and the USGA U.S. Open. His art has been commissioned by corporations and institutions such as The United Nations, Coca-Cola, Apple, Sony, H.J. Heinz, Chanel, Rolex, Samsung, Warner Brothers, Ford Motors, and Kellogg’s Corporation.
Morris’s artwork is featured in the collections of esteemed institutions, including The Albright-Knox Museum, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Jimmy Carter Center, The World of Coca-Cola Museum, The Barack Obama Presidential Center, The United Nations, and The Elysée Museum. His work is also held by notable collectors such as Brad Pitt, Tommy Hilfiger, Oprah Winfrey, Stan Lee, Roy Disney, Ralph Lauren, John Travolta, Andre Agassi, Emeril Lagasse, and President Barack Obama.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Morris is committed to philanthropy, having raised millions of dollars for charities worldwide through his art. Morris's art taps into the ongoing popularity of nostalgia and retro aesthetics. It not only embodies the spirit of contemporary pop culture but also contributes to its evolution, offering a vibrant and optimistic lens through which to view the modern world.
