Joe Andoe’s paintings are instantly recognizable. Best known for his reductive depictions of mundane subjects, such as horns, wreaths, horses, and dogs, he paints in a single hue, outlines the subject, and then wipes the paint away. The result reveals the dyed grain of the canvas underneath, instead of allowing the pigment to create any sort of dimension; an enigmatic and textural minimalism. Andoe’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yodo Gallery in Osaka. artnet News caught up with the minimalist painter to hear about his current projects and inspirations.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Drawing has always been my imaginary friend. But I didn’t know what “making art” meant until 1977, when I saw a Tate gallery poster in a frame shop in Tulsa with Andy Warhol’s Marilyn on it, and it had a turquoise background with yellow hair and a bright pink face.

That was music to my eyes, and the same vibe as Lou Reed… I remember thinking I wanted to make some myself.

Joe Andoe, Untitled (horn) (1989)
Oil on linen, 40 x 48 in.
Photo courtesy of the artist and Lococo Fine Art Publisher.

What inspires you?
I know it when i see it.

Usually it’s unexpected and can be anything…it could be in shit I hate.

Joe Andoe, Large Dog (Graphite on Silver) (1998)
10-color screenprint (edition 35), 40 x 48 in.
Photo courtesy of the artist and Lococo Fine Art Publisher.

If you could own any work of modern or contemporary art, what would it be?
I think it would be a Malcolm Morley painting.

Joe Andoe, Untitled (tulip) (1989)
Oil on linen, 40 x 48 in.
Photo courtesy of Byron Cohen Gallery.

What are you working on at the moment?
I have a show in March at Nathalie Karg’s gallery, with paintings about the Internet.

When not making art, what do you like to do? 
This is the hardest question because when I’m not painting or getting ready to paint I do a bunch of nothing.

Sleep until I’m rested…I drink a lot of coffee…walk around…I try not to eat bad food…talk to people…I go and pick up the heaviest weights I can.