— About
JOHN DEMPSEY is an
Urban Abstract Painter in Chicago
Transforming Chicago's Street Art into Contemporary Masterpieces
As a Chicago-based contemporary artist, I create dynamic abstract paintings that celebrate the raw energy of urban art. Through my unique conceptual approach, I bridge the gap between street-level graffiti typography and fine art abstraction, bringing the overlooked beauty of city walls into gallery spaces.
The Art of "The Line"
My artistic obsession centers on "the line" – that essential element found in urban graffiti that weaves, darts, and twists with unexpected energy. I capture this spontaneous movement through hand-cut stencils and spray paint, creating bold geometric shapes inspired by graffiti letter silhouettes. These structured elements merge with my intuitive layers of acrylic and oil paint, resulting in works that pulse with unabashed urban vitality.
Controlled Chaos Meets Contemporary Art
Each of my paintings represents a careful balance between chaos and control. My fluid abstractions incorporate organic shapes alongside urban influences, creating moments that feel like witnessing something beautiful in mid-creation. My work speaks to current dialogues about modernist painting while maintaining deep roots in street art culture.
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Born in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in the Chicago area. I received an art scholarship by the Woman’s Club of Evanston and attended Ohio University where I studied art under Aethelred Eldridge. My painting "The Great American Landscape" won first place in Chicago's Art Loop Open - the city's first public voting contest, and a giant check that made me feel like a golf pro. Thanks Chicago! CV upon request.
As Billy Tokyo…
I’m a Cross-Cultural Figurative Artist
Where East Meets West in My Contemporary Figurative Painting
Under the alias name Billy Tokyo, I create vibrant figurative works that deliberately blur the boundaries between Eastern and Western artistic traditions. I chose this name – pairing the distinctly American "Billy" with the quintessentially Japanese "Tokyo" – to reflect the intentional cultural fusion that defines my artistic practice.
Japanese Pop Art Meets Chicago Imagists
Drawing inspiration from Japanese Pop Art and the legendary Chicago Imagists movement, my figurative works feature vivid, flat colors and simplified forms infused with humor and sharp social commentary. My characters emerge from geometric shapes, creating a diverse and innovative approach to figure representation.
Visual Overload as My Artistic Strategy
I intentionally approach "exuberant visual overload" in my paintings, packing each canvas with layers of information designed to stimulate and engage viewers. Using techniques including hand-cut stencils and spray paint, I borrow visual languages from diverse cultures and art movements – both high and low, historical and contemporary.
Creating Universal Dialogue Through My Art
My ultimate goal is fostering dialogue between artwork and audience through a visual style that is both uniquely impactful and universally accessible. Each piece I create serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting viewers to explore the rich intersections where different artistic traditions meet.
Contact & Exhibition Information
Based in Chicago, Illinois
Professional portfolio, exhibition history, and CV available upon request.
Available for gallery representation, commissioned works, and artistic collaborations.
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Check out the recent article about my artwork (and Billy Tokyo's) in The Common Reader by the talented writer John Griswold.
Both artists share a studio at:
355 North Laflin Street, Chicago, IL 60607
located in the Fulton Market district
General Inquiries
— I’d love to hear from you