Joe Coleman was born on November 22, 1955, in Norwalk, Connecticut. He grew up in a working-class family, with his father serving in World War II and his maternal grandfather being a professional boxer. As a young boy, Coleman showed a talent for art and quickly became enamored with comic books.
At the start of his career, Coleman worked as a comic book artist, honing his skills in illustration and storytelling. However, he soon realized that his true passion lie in creating highly detailed portraits of people, capturing not only their physical features but also their inner essence.
Coleman gained recognition for his intricate portraits of film stars, high-profile criminals, and other controversial figures. His work has been described as hauntingly realistic, with a depth and complexity that recalls the paintings of the fifteenth-century Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch.
Aside from his work as a painter, Coleman also had a career as a performance artist. In 1992, he acted in an art film titled Black Hearts Bleed Red, showcasing his talent for bringing characters to life on screen. He later appeared in the 2003 movie Scarlet Diva, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented artist.
Despite his success in the art world, Coleman remains a private and enigmatic figure. He prefers to let his work speak for itself, allowing viewers to interpret and engage with his portraits on a personal level. Actor Johnny Depp, a fellow artist and fan of Coleman's work, even purchased one of his paintings as a testament to the impact of his unique style.
Joe Coleman's art continues to captivate and intrigue audiences around the world, drawing them into a world of mystery and fascination that only he can create.