Today we’d like to introduce you to John Vieno
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I come from an Artistic Family. My Mother was a recognized American Folk Arists who taught & Sold her Artwork. I learned to paint watercolors at an early Age. The notion of attending Art School at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design was never out of the question, There at MCAD I studied Painting & Drawing. I have always had an Art Studio since 1985. I’ve experienced Artistic Success and recognition at times. There have been good decades and bad decades, regardless I keep showing up to the Studio every day, as Oil Paint is my medicine.
John Vieno is a contemporary artist known for his emotionally powerful abstract oil paintings. Emerging from the 1980s Minneapolis Punk/Art scene as an underground icon, he has since become a reclusive yet deeply influential figure in modern art. Working out of his St. Paul, Minnesota studio, Vieno paints for those who suffer, creating works that evoke profound emotional responses—sometimes even bringing viewers to tears.
His masterpiece Yawn in Hell is a striking example of his ability to depict human suffering with both beauty and intensity. Vieno’s use of color has been described as life-changing, and his recent abstract floral paintings reflect his acceptance of mortality, stating, “Old men paint flowers.”
Beyond his artistic skill, Vieno is revered for his warmth, kindness, and support of fellow artists. He openly discusses his struggles with Bipolar Disorder to break the stigma around mental illness. Despite his reclusiveness, he occasionally opens his studio to the public, offering a rare and intimate experience of his work. His upcoming studio opening in May 2025 will be a significant event for collectors and admirers alike.
John Vieno is a profoundly impactful artist who emerged from the 1980s Minneapolis Punk/Art scene, becoming an underground icon. Now reclusive and living in St. Paul, Minnesota, he dedicates his life to oil painting, creating deeply emotional and powerful works that resonate with those who experience them.
His masterpiece Yawn in Hell is known for its beauty and shocking portrayal of human suffering, reflecting his belief that “no one is left behind.” He paints for those who suffer, offering solidarity, compassion, and connection through his art. His use of color has been described as life-changing, and his recent abstract flower paintings—created with deep intuition—acknowledge his own mortality.
Vieno’s studio, filled with decades of masterpieces, will open to collectors and the public in May 2025—a rare opportunity to experience his work firsthand. Though reclusive, he remains a warm and generous presence in the art world, supporting fellow artists and breaking stigmas around mental health by openly discussing his own struggles with Bipolar Disorder.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have suffered for my Art, I have experienced underemployment, failed romantic relationships, Financial ruin, & have suffered from Mental Illness and at times addiction in my journey. I have been very open about being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and have sought treatment for Mental Illness for the past 17 years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
ohn Vieno is open about his struggles with Bipolar Disorder, using his platform as an artist to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Rather than hiding his diagnosis, he embraces it as part of his creative journey, acknowledging both the suffering and the inspiration that come with it. His art, often deeply emotional and cathartic, reflects this lived experience—capturing the intensity, beauty, and pain of human existence.
Vieno’s masterpiece Yawn in Hell is a striking example of how his work resonates with those who suffer. He has stated, “I paint for the ones who suffer… they are my friends,” reinforcing his commitment to creating art that offers solidarity and understanding. His recent abstract flower paintings, while more joyous, also acknowledge mortality and the passage of time, reflecting the depth of his inner world.
Despite his reclusive nature, Vieno is a compassionate presence in the art world, supporting fellow artists and offering psychological and spiritual encouragement. His honesty about his mental health challenges allows others to feel seen, reminding them that suffering can coexist with beauty, connection, and purpose.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
People probably don’t know that besides being an Artist/Painter, I’m am also a Poet & write poetry everyday.
Pricing:
- I have a minimum of $500 for anything I do, my pricing ranges for $500 to $10,000 depending on the Artwork, theme, materials or expression.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnvieno/
- Other: 651.245.4191
