Today we’d like to introduce you to Vian Borchert.
Hi Vian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story begins in early childhood, where I first discovered a deep love for the arts. From a young age, I displayed a natural talent for drawing and painting. I was born into a family steeped in art: my mother, a professional artist, and my father, an avid art collector, played pivotal roles in shaping my creative path and artistic direction. As a shy child, art became my sanctuary and escape into an imaginative world where I could express myself freely. I spent countless hours at a small desk in the corner of my childhood home, lost in my own creations. My passion was evident even then, and it was recognized by my school teachers, who often selected my work for contests, regional exhibits, and student showcases. This early encouragement led me to pursue formal education in the arts. I earned a scholarship. I am a graduate and “Notable Alumni” from the Corcoran College of Art & Design George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Following graduation, I traveled extensively, collaborating with artists from around the globe. These experiences which led to group exhibitions and creative ventures allowed me to witness firsthand the unifying power of art across cultures. Upon returning to the US, I explored various career paths in a number of fields ranging from finance to translation. Yet, something was missing. I eventually returned to my true calling: creating and teaching art. For the past 20 years, I’ve been teaching fine art classes for adults, currently at the historic Arts Club of Washington and Glen Echo Park’s Yellow Barn Studio in Maryland.
Over the decades, I’ve participated in more than 100 exhibitions, both in the DMV area and internationally. My work has been featured in renowned venues such as the Carrousel du Louvre in the Louvre museum in Paris, Medinaceli DeArte Contemporary Museum in Spain, SAM Museum in Pennsylvania, and on a huge digital billboard in New York’s Times Square on Broadway. I’ve also exhibited at the United Nations in NYC and in prestigious galleries from London and Berlin to Los Angeles, Miami (Art Basel Miami Beach), and the Venice Biennale. My art has been featured in over 100 publications, including Paris based style magazines Moevir and Roidx, and publications such as The Washington Post, BmoreArt, District Fray Magazine, World Art News, Museum Week Magazine, True Icon Magazine and others. I was recently listed in the ultimate guide for art investors “Art Market Experts”, featuring the most investable artists of 2025 from around the world featuring top talent and established names and presenting high-value art and artists – I am delighted to be listed amongst very established global artists such as: Alex Katz, Cecily Brown, Albert Oehlen, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard Richter, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama.
In addition to being an accomplished visual artist and a seasoned art educator, I serve as the Art Lead for Oxford Public Philosophy journal, based at Oxford University, UK. I contribute through art writing, curatorial work, and public engagement in visual arts whether through critique, consultation or community programming. I have also juried local art shows and served as a cohort and community convener for Arts and Humanities Councils in both Maryland and Washington, D.C.
My work is held in museums, galleries, embassies, and in both corporate and private collections worldwide. Artistically, I am known for my abstract paintings that explore the human experience and our connection to the environments we inhabit. I describe my art as visual poetry where each painting is a lyrical reflection of lived experience and emotional depth.
My distinctive style has inspired budding and established artists alike, as well as designers in the broader art and design fields. My artwork is found in local galleries, and available globally through major art platforms and auction houses such as 1stDibs, Artsy, Barnebys Auctions, Artsper, Zatista.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be honest, the road has not always been smooth. Being an artist means embracing a life of both personal and public vulnerability. Art is not just a vocation, it is an extension of the self, laid bare before the world. Exhibiting one’s work is in many ways, an act of courage: to reveal something deeply personal and raw to public probe. While the journey hasn’t been a walk in the clouds or a path lined with roses, it has been rich with twists and turns that have shaped me into the artist I am today. Some challenges have been deeply personal like pausing my artistic pursuits to care for a loved one during a period of illness. Others have come in the form of professional setbacks, opportunities that led nowhere, and creative paths that simply didn’t unfold as hoped. Yet through it all, my love for art has remained unwavering. It anchors me, grounds me, and propels me forward. No matter how winding the road, it continues to lead me toward the purpose I was meant to fulfill.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an expressionist visual artist with a strong emphasis on abstraction, often drawing inspiration from nature. My work primarily centers on abstract seascapes that are deeply rooted from my Mediterranean origins and shaped by personal voyages by the sea. I’ve always been drawn to the color blue as it connects me to both the boundless sky above and the mysterious infinite depths of the ocean. This color serves as a powerful symbol in my work, representing wonder, introspection, and transcendence.
I am best known for my expressionist abstract blue paintings, which explore the human experience while inviting viewers into a space of elevated emotion, meditative reflection, and hope. Through my art, I strive to create not just a visual impact, but a meaningful connection that resonates on both emotional and intellectual levels.
One of my greatest sources of pride is the enduring journey I’ve taken as an artist and remaining committed to my creative path through every phase of life. From having my work exhibited at the Louvre in Paris to being featured on a massive billboard in Times Square, my accomplishments reflect years of dedication and perseverance. Beyond accolades, I take immense pride in being a mother to two extraordinary individuals, each forging their own paths and embracing their life’s purpose with curiosity and strength. Also fulfilling is my role as an art educator. For over 20 years, I’ve taught fine art classes to students of all levels across Maryland and Washington, D.C. Witnessing their growth, progress, and gratitude is a continual source of contentment.
What sets my work apart is its distinctive painterly style indicative of a blend of expressive brushwork and evocative abstraction that captivates the viewer while sparking a visual dialogue. My paintings aim to both move the soul and stimulate the mind. What truly defines me, however, is my unwavering commitment to authenticity. Throughout my career, I have remained true to my singular vision, creating work that is heartfelt, honest, and wholly original.
What’s next?
I don’t usually make rigid plans for the future, as life has shown me that things rarely unfold exactly as we intend. Often, unexpected paths present themselves and lead to opportunities we never imagined. As a long practicing existentialist, I strive to live fully in the present moment, believing that even the smallest steps taken today can shape the course of tomorrow. That said, I do have some interesting exhibitions on the horizon. For the most up-to-date information on my upcoming shows and events, please visit my website: www.vianborchert.com.
Here are some upcoming exhibitions / activities:
In August: I will be exhibiting several paintings in Seoul, South Korea at the Bank Art Fair.
In September: I’ll debut new works in a group exhibition in Manhattan, NYC, at a gallery that represents me there.
From early October to November, my artwork will be featured in the great Women Artists of the DMV Exhibition, curated by Lenny Campello. This major exhibition will take place at the Strathmore Mansion Gallery in North Bethesda/Rockville, Maryland.
For the Fall season, I will be teaching a multi-media Painting course titled “Painting from Images” (For all levels) at the historic Arts Club of Washington. I will also be teaching painting and drawing classes and workshops at the Yellow Barn Studio in Glen Echo Park, Maryland. You can find full details about my fall class offerings here: https://www.vianborchert.com/classes.html
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vianborchert.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vianborchert/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VianBorchertFineArts/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ViansArtCorner
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vianborchert
Image Credits
Oliver Borchert, Vian Borchert
