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Superstition
New Works by Chris Arnold
In the Rotofugi Main Gallery
September 16-October 9, 2016
We're super excited to be presenting a new series of works by Chicago-based artist Chris Arnold. Here's what Chris has to say about the exhibit:
Superstition is a collection of ink-based illustrations that reflect a curiosity for the supernatural, astrological and prophetic. Specifically I wanted to learn more about the signs and symbols associated with fortune telling and reading the future. Through this investigation I seek to visually reveal some of the secrets of the Zodiac, Tarot and Religion through a playful series of new artworks.
Join us for the opening reception on the evening of Friday, September 16, 7-10pm and you'll have a chance to chat with Chris who will be in attendance, plus we'll have snacks and beverages, not to mention awesome music courtesy of DJ Sean Doe.
In addition to our usual opening reception snacks, etc. we'll also have FREE Tarot Readings by Psychic Alex during the opening, 7-9pm!
About the Artist
Chris Arnold (b. 1977) earned a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Missouri–Columbia and an MFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Since the late 1990’s, his award-winning artwork and commercial illustration has been exhibited worldwide, with featured shows in Asia, Europe and North America. He has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago and is currently an Assistant Professor at Columbia College. He lives in Chicago with his fiancé Linda.
Exhibit continues through October 9, 2016.
New Friends!
New Works by Mary Ruth Butterworth
In the Rotofugi Side Gallery
September 16-October 9, 2016
It's not often that we get to exhibit artwork from someone we know so well, but in this case not only is Mary an awesome artist, but she's also a staff member here at Rotofugi, curating our handmade goods section in the store and teaching our Munny painting classes among other things.
Mary's works convey imaginary worlds full of color, fun creatures and interesting characters. Bright and poppy are the words that come to mind...we're certain that collectors will find something cheerful to brighten up any decor in Mary's new exhibit, which will also include a resin figure release.
Join us for the opening reception on the evening of Friday, September 16, 7-10pm and you'll have a chance to chat with Mary who will be in attendance, plus we'll have snacks and beverages, not to mention awesome music courtesy of DJ Sean Doe.
Exhibit continues through October 9, 2016.
We are excited to once again be collaborating with our friends Mark and Sven (and the entire coarse team) to bring you a new exhibit of their sculptures.
Join us the evening of Saturday, August 13, 7-10pm for the opening of Cold Ways: Nights That Haunt the Past, sculptures by Mark Landwehr and Sven Waschk (coarse).
Line tickets will be available to pickup at the gallery, 2780 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, starting at 11am on Saturday, and will be used to determine purchase order beginning at 7pm.
In addition to new original sculptures, Mark and Sven will be debuting two exclusive figures, an illustrated book and two new art prints.
All releases will be available first to attendees of the opening reception. Online release will happen in the week after the opening and further details will be posted in advance, thank you for your patience.
The exhibit continues through September 11, 2016.
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About the Artists
Work in the coarse world began in 2003, when German artists Mark Landwehr and Sven Waschk began developing their unique style of sculpting, which creates the illusion that they have chiseled and exposed their sculptures from three-dimensional rock.
While the underlying stories of the individual pieces vary and express themes of denial, betrayal and lies, the sculptures aim to make an impression on multiple levels. While often looking cute at first glance, a distinct silence, sadness and loneliness simultaneously convey an alternate effect. These subtle and almost shy undertones expose our souls’ vulnerability, which we so often try to conceal.
Within the last 10 years the artists have evolved, gaining international recognition and collectors all over the world. The artists focus primarily on statues that range from small to life-size and are made from resin and/or fiberglass. They are finished as single pieces or in small limitation runs and are entirely crafted by the artists themselves.
After the initial conceptual phase the artists go directly into the sculpting process. Depending on the complexity of the piece it can take months until the shape is finalized. This is followed by mould-making, casting, sanding, detailing and painting in the artists' studios. Mark Landwehr about his work for coarse: “We pay highest attention to every detail of our work in order to avoid distracting the viewer. This way people can dive into an almost surreal scenery and sense the underlying pain, sadness and loneliness of our creations. We want to create a second reality.”
Selected sculptures frequently become limited-run vinyl figure releases. Under the brand “coarse” the sculptures get distributed worldwide in award-winning packages always designed by the artists themselves.
This is the fifth coarse exhibit at Rotofugi Gallery.
Reasonable Expectations
New Works by Jay Ryan
July 8-August 7, 2016
Join us the evening of Friday, July 8, 7-10pm for the opening of a new main gallery exhibit by Chicago-based artist Jay Ryan, plus works by Ben Chlapek (Never Sleeping).
Jay Ryan is a Chicago-based illustrator and musician. He learned to screenprint beginning in 1995, working with Steve Walters at Screwball Press. In 1999, Jay started The Bird Machine print shop, making posters for bands around the world.
This is Jay's fourth exhibit at Rotofugi Gallery after previous exhibits in 2010, 2011 and 2014. We're super excited and honored to be hosting Jay in our gallery again.
Joining Jay in the main gallery is Ben Chlapek (aka Never Sleeping). Ben is a freelance illustrator/designer/printer located in Chicago, IL. Most of his work is created with pen and ink on paper, then sometimes manipulated slightly and colored digitally to produce the desired result. Ben enjoys old signs painted by hand, club soda and analog audio recording techniques.
Join our gallery previews email list at http://previews.rotofugi.com
Magical Girls
New Works by Brett Manning
July 8-August 7, 2016
Join us the evening of Friday, July 8, 7-10pm for the opening of a side gallery exhibit by Indiana-based artist Brett Manning.
We're excited to share this wonderful collection of paintings and prints with you from a talented new addition to our roster of exhibiting artists.
Here's some words from Brett about the exhibit:
I created this group of work based on real people I know, admire, or see online almost everyday. These girls range in exceptional talents; some are painters, musicians, teachers, or fashionable in unique and inspiring ways, and others are just kind, commendable souls who encourage me and others to keep creating. Magical Girls do what they want and live to spread positivity. They are open minded, humble, and seek no approval. They are kind to each other, but also have the strength and wisdom to know when and when not to fight.
The girls I have drawn and painted have been elevated to magic wielding super humans. They might be awkward, eat all the cupcakes, drink too much coffee, have crooked smiles, be shy to a fault, or trip over their own feet, but they all harbor something immensely powerful and otherworldly within.
This collection was also heavily inspired by my love of anime, especially Sailor Moon and her fantastic, supportive squad of scouts. Mixing all that with vibrant pastel colors, patterns, and subtle symbolism developed from my own personal mythologies, this series has a very dream-like, idealist, and undoubtably sentimental feeling. But for me, sentiment, passion, and intimacy are themes I enjoy depicting. They are also themes that tend to be bashed for being "too feminine" or having no place in the world of "high art" … and that's exactly why I strive to paint them.
This collection is dedicated to all the real life Magical Girls in the world.
– Brett Manning, 2016
Sign up for our gallery previews email list at http://previews.rotofugi.com
