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Paintings in the Hue of Forever
New Works by ChrisRWK / Robots Will Kill
January 15-February 13, 2022
We kick off our 2022 exhibition schedule with a banger!
New York-based ChrisRWK (Robots Will Kill) has spent the last two decades and then some building and conceptualizing his own graffiti-flavored visual language — one that he frequently employs to spread messages of love, hope, and perseverance.
Join us beginning Saturday, January 15 at 10am for in-person viewing of the 40 new works on canvas prepared by ChrisRWK for his first Chicago solo exhibit!
We will, unfortunately, not be holding an opening reception due to ongoing concerns about coronavirus — and our space in Chicago strictly requires all staff and patrons to be masked.
Members of our gallery previews email list will get first opportunity to purchase. To receive the email sign up at previews.rotofugi.com.
Paintings in the Hue of Forever continues through Sunday, February 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
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 RobotsWillKill.com. Robots Will Kill is 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.
Update: The exhibit is now viewable online and we're taking orders!
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Super-Cali-Fragi-Listic Expi-Ali-Toy-Ish
Soft Vinyl Exhibit by Bombastic Plastic and Phobia Toys
December 4, 2021-January 2, 2022
Meet the Artist
Saturday, December 4, 10am-Noon
Back in March we tried something new...a mini exhibit of just vinyl figures by an independent producer/artist, Phobia Toys, on top of our normal monthly exhibit. We had so much fun that we're doing it again!
Indy vinyl, specifically sofubi-style productions, are one of the more interesting and vital parts of the designer toy world. Often driven by nothing more than a creative spirit and a passion for the artistic potential of toys, there are dozens if not hundreds of small toy producers making amazing stuff.
Starting December 4 we'll have Phobia Toys back, but we're expanding the circle a little. Ben (Phobia) has invited Neil Ewing, aka Bombastic Plastic, to join in the fun! Not only have they both produced and painted a bunch of their own figures, they've done some crossover collaborations and even some mashups with other toy producers.
Join us Saturday, December 4, 10am-Noon for an informal opening and first shot at the toys! Ben will be at the store to hang out and chat with anyone that has questions about his figures or independent vinyl production.
The exhibit continues through January 2nd, 2022 and the gallery is open for viewing at Rotofugi, 2780 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago or view online at gallery.rotofugi.com (coming soon).
About the Artists
Phobia Toys is a small independent toy company based in Minneapolis, MN, focusing on finding a balance between the cute and grotesque through the soft vinyl toy medium. All toys are hand sculpted and painted by Ben Farnam in his South Minneapolis studio.
Ben often collaborates with some of his favorite toy artists: painting each other’s toys, mashing up different sculpts, and coming up with character combinations that make for fun and unusual soft vinyl toys. Phobia Toys provide collectors with quality soft vinyl toys that are strange, unique, and limited to very small runs.
Neil Ewing is a multimedia artist from south eastern Colorado. His art is focused on creating narrative, pulled from nostalgia and experience to create feelings of humor, joy and levity.
Since 2002, Neil has drawn comics, created toys, made music, and worked with many artists, brands and record labels. He currently runs Bombastic Plastic, a creative company that makes genre bending quirky collectibles and soft goods.
Curious Critters
New Works by Michael Fleming (aka Tweedlebop)
March 20-April 11, 2021
Heading into Spring we thought it was time for something colorful and fun, and it was an easy choice to ask Michael Fleming, aka Tweedlebop, to put on a show. With a 15+ year long career in illustration, Michael has a super fun, super colorful style that connects with both kids and adults alike and we're excited to have a new solo exhibit featuring new works of his. We don't know what all the Curious Critters will look like just yet, but we can't wait to find out!
The exhibit will be open for viewing and sales beginning Saturday, March 20, 10am-6pm, but we are being cautious and will not be holding an opening reception.
Sign up for our gallery previews email list at previews.rotofugi.com to receive an email when works are available to purchase online — we try to have a preview out a day or two before an exhibit opens, though sometimes it doesn’t go out until sometime after the opening.
The exhibit continues through April 11th and the gallery is open for viewing at Rotofugi, 2780 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 10am-6pm daily, or view online at gallery.rotofugi.com.
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.
Trucks Nuts!
The Tennessee Wolfman Show
New Works by Charles V. Bennett
February 15-March 15, 2020
BYOB Opening Reception
Saturday, February 15, 7-10pm
We're super excited to be getting a little down and dirty with our February exhibit by Nashville-based artist Charles V. Bennett, aka The Tennessee Wolfman!
Expect everything from cardboard sculptures to broken skateboard decks, all adorned with a colorful array of characters drawn from Bennett's world, with a sprinkling of satire and occasional political commentary.
In short, this is good stuff.
Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, February 15, 7-10pm to check out the new works and enjoy music by DJ Sean Doe plus complimentary snacks and soft drinks (BYOB if you want to have alcohol). Charles will be in attendance so stop by and meet the artist!
For BYOB, we are steps away from Beermiscuous, one of Chicago's best craft beer shops — 350 cold beers and ciders (over 200 local beers!) are available in a singles format, allowing you to create your own mix-and-match variety pack for the event!
Exhibit continues through March 15, 2020.
Sign up for gallery previews at http://previews.rotofugi.com for first chance to purchase artwork.
Oddities of the Multiverse
New Works by Ennis Martin
June 1-30, 2019
BYOB Opening Reception
Saturday, June 1, 7-10pm
We get excited about all of our exhibits because, well, we only book things we love, but we're especially looking forward to our June exhibit. Chicago born and raised, Ennis Martin is a bit of a renaissance man — counting artist, teacher and b-boy among his titles. What we're most interested in, of course, is his amazing art!
Join us the evening of Saturday, June 1, 7-10pm for the opening reception of "Oddities of the Multiverse," where Ennis will be unveiling 20+ new works. We'll also have music by DJ Sean Doe, plus complimentary snacks and soft drinks...and if you'd like to BYOB, we're just across the street from the wonderful Beermiscous!
Ennis will be in attendance at the opening reception so please do stop by and say hello.
Exhibit continues through June 30, 2019.
Sign up for our gallery previews email list at http://previews.rotofugi.com for first notification when artwork is available online.
