Colby Drasher has been painting, drawing, filming, composing and DJing for 25 years. What started out as experimental acts of expression have evolved into the professional identity of an artist, event producer and DJ. Known widely for his involvement in Boston queer nightlife, he has played host and performed at events such as DADT Boston (2011-2019) and FASCINATION Boston (2014-Present). Through opportunities such as a solo show at the MFA Boston during their Late Nights event of 2024, he has begun to attract acclaim and attention from the community for his visual work. Previously having apprenticed under artists and close friends Douglas Kolk (MoMA, Saatchi) and Adam Paladino (Boston Printmakers), Colby's work has had the chance to be informed by the in person guidance of accomplished professionals.
What appears bright and cheery, upon closer examination illuminates a complex and at times tense portrayal of our current societal and psychological landscape. Layers upon layers of information culminate into our reality, oftentimes resulting in a world that is so overwhelming we cant see the forest through the trees. My art turns this cacophony of symbols into a colorful feast for the eyes. Ranging from topics illustrating hyper-saturation, distraction and attention span, the mass shortage of clean drinking water, to the for-profit push of drugs by doctors onto a vulnerable population, the concept of advancement is often two-faced, appearing beneficial but instead produces damaging foreseen and unforeseen outcomes.
Gallery
Oil, Acrylic, Pen & Ink, Pencil
CV
2026 - Applied for Solo/Group show at Mosesian Center for the Arts (awaiting decision)
2024 May - Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA - MFA Late Night - Solo Exhibition
2022 November - Sherlock Biosciences, Watertown, MA - On-site artist talk for commissioned pieces
2014 October - The Lilypad Gallery, Cambridge, MA - Unifinity: The Visual Works of Colby Drasher - Solo Exhibition and Live Performance
2010 September - The Temple, Jamaica Plain, MA - Trash Hall #2 Queer Event with Exhibition
2009 December - RIFRAKT Collective, Jamaica Plain, MA - Art Show