We are super excited to welcome ChrisRWK back for his second solo exhibit, Outside Looking Out, and his first artist reception at Rotofugi!
Join us this Saturday evening, June 15, 6-8pm, to meet ChrisRWK and score a signed limited edition double cassette mixtape made by DJ Sean Doe just for the opening.
To purchase artwork, sign up at https://previews.rotofugi.com to receive the email and first chance to buy works from this exhibit — the email will be sent tomorrow, June 14. Remaining works will be available to purchase in person beginning at 10am Saturday.
Outside Looking Out
New Works by ChrisRWK
June 15-July 7, 2024
Artist Reception & Mixtape Release
Saturday, June 15, 6-8pm
Free — All Ages — BYOB
About the Artist
A child of the 70’s into the 80s, ChrisRWK’s world was often completely flooded with the imagery and ideas presented by his television, his comic books, and the music and movies of the time. Immersed in these various mediums, ChrisRWK began to store the images brought forward though these everyday experiences in what he refers to as a "mental journal". This journal was a haven of his thoughts that he could refer back to whenever necessary.
ChrisRWK’s paintings frequently cite past conceptions of popular culture embedded in his psyche's cache.
This use of intertextuality also serves to offer a comfort or familiarity of sorts to the viewer. ChrisRWK’s works frequently reveal everyday musings and people one would pass on the street without looking or thinking about twice. These images also aid ChrisRWK in the creation of a visual language comprised of his own iconographic imagery. Through the repetition of this imagery, ChrisRWK strives to familiarize his viewers with the language he has constructed. ChrisRWK believes that the notions within his pieces serve as a backbone to the many stories created by the onlooker when he or she is viewing the work.
In 2001 ChrisRWK set in motion Robots Will Kill, an arts site dedicated to community and exposure for artists/media often disregarded by the mainstream art world. Rather than featuring his own work exclusively, he opened it up to allow the possibility for it to become whatever it evolved into being. ChrisRWK has used this interaction and collaboration with artists to help develop his artwork in new ways. Over the years ChrisRWK’s imagery has become quickly identifiable and familiar to many people. He is trying to evoke more stories in people's minds everyday.
Join us for the midwest’s first designer toy, art and collectibles convention!
Created by a team of art and toy veterans from Rotofugi, Strangecat Toys, UVD Toys, and Robots Will Kill — CollectedCon will feature a curated selection of vendors, artists, and companies from around the globe!
Don’t miss your chance to score some sweet new figures, see a bunch of amazing art and meet a ton of artists and toy designers…all on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan!
CollectedCon 2024
August 3-4, 2024
Aon Grand Ballroom
Navy Pier • Chicago
Tickets are available now at collectedcon.com. Kids 12 & Under are free!
This month we also welcome back another of our favorites to the gallery, illustrator Michael Fleming, aka tweedlebop! If totally adorable (and really affordable) art is on your wishlist this is the show for you! Our two previous exhibits with Michael sold out in short order, so make sure you sign up for our Gallery Previews at https://previews.rotofugi.com to get in on the cute big-headed fun!
Join us the evening of Saturday, May 18 to view the new work while grooving to a new mix by DJ Sean Doe! In addition Huggable Koi creator Bonnie Robinson Stewart, whose new exhibit is also opening, will be in attendance to chat with attendees.
Tweedlebop Variety Show
New Works by Michael Fleming
May 18-June 9, 2022
Opening Reception
Saturday, May 18, 6-8pm
New Mix by DJ Sean Doe
Free — All Ages — BYOB
Rotofugi — 2780 N. Lincoln Ave. — Chicago
About the Artist
Michael Fleming has 15+ years of practical experience as a professional illustrator, working with both digital and traditional mediums. Specialities are children's media, character design and large cartoon heads.
He is taller than Abraham Lincoln.
Several of the early exhibits we did as a gallery, starting nearly 20 years ago now, were by plush (or if you prefer the more intellectual terminology, soft sculpture) artists. We love the versatility and creativity we see in this often overlooked category, so when the brilliant artist behind Huggable Koi reached out, we jumped at the opportunity to host an exhibit!
Combining quilting techniques and a love of koinobori (Japanese carp flags), Bonnie Robinson Stewart has developed a beautiful intricate style over the past decade. For her Rotofugi Gallery debut she has gone beyond — way beyond — koi and is bringing a mix of kaiju, cryptids, and other creatures all lovingly shaped and stitched into beautiful, huggable plush!
Join us the evening of Saturday, May 18 to view the new work while grooving to a new mix by DJ Sean Doe! Huggable Koi creator Bonnie Robinson Stewart will be in attendance to chat with attendees, plus we'll also have new works by illustrator Michael Fleming (aka Tweedlebop) on display.
Absolute Creatures
Soft Sculpture by Bonnie Robinson Stewart (Huggable Koi)
May 18-June 9, 2022
Opening Reception
Saturday, May 18, 6-8pm
New Mix by DJ Sean Doe
Free — All Ages — BYOB
Rotofugi — 2780 N Lincoln Ave — Chicago
About the Artist
Bonnie Robinson Stewart is a designer toy/soft sculpture artist who has been creating and displaying her art for nearly 10 years. Her first plushies were koi created by combining her self taught quilting skills and love of koinobori (Japanese carp flags). She has lived in the Los Angeles area her entire life and currently lives in Glendora, CA with her partner, Bill, and two cats, Audrey and Roswell.
We are thrilled to welcome back one of our most frequent exhibitors, Milwaukee-based artist James 'Jimbot' Demski for a new solo exhibit opening in just one week!
Jimbot returns after taking a nearly two year hiatus from making art — two years spent addressing health issues that have necessitated new ways of working and a bit of an artistic evolution. Many of Jimbot's newer paintings are bigger and looser than before, and there's a renewed focus on building his amazing wooden figural creations, which have evolved as well...all in all, a very exciting return that we can't wait to share with you!
Join us the evening of Saturday, April 13, 6-8pm for the opening reception to meet Jimbot and groove to a live set by DJ Sean Doe while you browse the artwork! Complimentary soft drinks and water provided, byob.
Method for Panic Attacks
New Works by James 'Jimbot' Demski
April 13-May 12, 2024
Opening Reception
Saturday, April 13, 6-8pm
DJ Sean Doe — Free — All Ages — BYOB
Jimbot Will Be in Attendance
Rotofugi — 2780 N Lincoln Ave — Chicago
Open Daily 10am-6pm — An LGBTQ+ Safe Space 🏳️🌈
About the Artist
James Demski is a Milwaukee-based artist also known by the moniker “Jimbot.” His art takes you into other worlds where the unusual can happen, beauty is around us, and your daydreams can become a reality. What exactly is happening is often left up to the viewer’s interpretations and how they view the clues left behind by the artist. He creates these worlds to escape to, and for the viewers to enjoy. James uses acrylic paint, dry transfer letters, pencil and ink to convey his thoughts, and wants the viewer to enjoy them as much as he enjoyed painting them.
This is Jimbot's seventh solo show at Rotofugi.
