Nate Lowman's Air Freshener paintings are a notable series within his body of work, reflecting his fascination with everyday objects and their symbolic meanings. These paintings, often shaped like the iconic pine tree air fresheners found in cars, serve as a vehicle for Lowman to explore themes of consumerism, pop culture, and the American landscape.

The air freshener motif first appeared in Lowman's work in the early 2000s, and he has since developed it into a recurring element. These shaped canvases are not merely decorative; they are imbued with layers of meaning. By choosing an object so ubiquitous and banal, Lowman comments on the ways in which everyday items can become loaded with cultural significance. The air fresheners, with their kitschy, nostalgic connotations, evoke a sense of the American road trip and car culture, while also pointing to themes of artificiality and the masking of unpleasant realities (Gagosian) (Gagosian).

Lowman's technique in these paintings often involves using oil and alkyd on canvas, creating a dense, shiny surface that mimics the appearance of the original object. This approach aligns with his broader practice of transforming the detritus of contemporary life into art. By elevating a commonplace item to the status of fine art, Lowman challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of value and taste (Gagosian) (Aspen Art Museum).

The Air Freshener paintings have been featured in various exhibitions, including the Aspen Art Museum's "Before and After" show, where they were displayed alongside other works that interrogate desire and consumer culture. This context highlights Lowman's interest in how objects can carry emotional and psychological weight, serving as stand-ins for broader societal issues (Aspen Art Museum).

Nate Lowman's Air Freshener paintings are a critical exploration of the intersection between everyday objects and cultural meaning. Through his meticulous technique and conceptual depth, Lowman invites viewers to engage with the familiar in new and thought-provoking ways.