February Exhibit: Shawnimals

Wanderlust

New Works by Shawnimals

February 19-March 13, 2022



I think we can all agree that after nearly 2 years of pandemic isolation and caution we’re all feeling a little wanderlust. Our good friend and long-time collaborator Shawn Smith (aka Shawnimals) and his adorable Ninjas and Shapes are right there with you. We’re excited to once again be working with Shawn to share this new body of work with you and, hopefully, it’ll be just the antidote you need.

Join us beginning Saturday, February 19 at 10am for in-person viewing of the 40 plus new works by Shawnimals for this exhibit. We will, unfortunately, not be holding an opening reception due to ongoing concerns about coronavirus, though we welcome you to stop by and view the new works (mask required). Members of our gallery previews email list will get first opportunity to purchase. To receive the email sign up at previews.rotofugi.com.

Wanderlust continues through Sunday, March 13 at Rotofugi, 2780 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago and will also be viewable at gallery.rotofugi.com shortly after the exhibit begins.



About the Artist

Chicago-based Shawn Smith is best known as the artist and designer behind Shawnimals and Ninjatown. While often known for his work in designer toys — particularly plush — he is primarily focused on fine art, and creates a wide variety of colorful, playful, and symbolic illustrative works in the form of drawings, paintings, and murals. Simply put, he wants to delight and inspire people everywhere with his character-based creative work.

His "All Shapes" body of work explores ideas of friendship, community, diversity, inclusivity, and celebration. While squarely rooted in the world of art with color, shape, and composition, there's also the implication of a wide range of not only shapes and colors, but also emotions.

We are all of these things and many more, and these differences should be celebrated and supported to build a true sense of community.

You can see his work in and around Chicago, other parts of the US, and as far away as Tokyo, Japan.

When he's not working in his studio, he proudly works as the Art Director for Threadless and spends as much time as possible with his wife, son, and adorably grumpy old dog Remmy