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Home  Biographies Rohlf, Jason |
Artistís Statement
Reluctant and disinclined are a few of the many descriptions I enjoy using for my work. They lay underneath words like precarious, delicate, abashed, and recessive, all having been loaned to me and the pieces over the last four years. I cannot pinpoint where the aspects of hesitant and looking outward overlap but they do and it is my hope that this body of work continues to gather words varying as much as the experiences creating each painting.
As a semi-emerging artist I would like to think the paintings are developing into a viable outlet for me to share the discoveries each day brings to the studio. Both the mood of the work and the paint texture used to create them continue to evolve as an endless stream of influence has its voice in my art. All of these things happen within a reoccurring theme of a mask like head and a pair of sometimes human hands, other times insect like arms. On a typical studio day each surface will be completely reworked and often scraped down the reveal earlier efforts. This allows me to have little regard of the preciousness of a single element, but realize efforts and their essential contributions to the whole of the work.
The framing of each painting also has its own similar journey. Whether the frame is of my own construction or the result of a collaboration with a woodworker, it undergoes a relentless series of revisions to insure a synergy occurs with the pieces before they are presented together. By gathering materials as different as antique moldings, old cabinet doors, and finished hardwoods, I am continually visualizing both present and possible future pieces while out searching for them. In many instances the mood of the frame can even plant the seed for a piece that will ultimately fill it.
My work has been exhibited in many different environments, locations that range from the smoke and conversation of neighborhood cafes, to the neutral cool of downtown galleries. My involvement with ART for AIDS over the last few years has led to the work being featured on various promotional posters and many items for sale, including the original work. Within each distinct environment it is my intention that the pieces be seen over extended times and the viewers interpretation allowed to change. It has often been the case that a painting is shown in different spaces and the input from each is very different. This variety has come to be essential for my search to understand my own efforts with the art.
The future of the work will continue on as many paths as it can find, and the challenge for me will be to continue to recognize them and provide all the necessary elements as needed. I canít claim to understand the importance of any single accomplishment, but as opportunities continue to develop, this approach keeps me more curious than ever.
JASON ROHLF
EDUCATION
-University of Wisconsin Milwaukee ë91 to ë93, Majored in Fine Arts (drawing and painting), Awarded the Layton Art Scholarship in ë91, ë92
-University of Wisconsin Stevens Point ë90, Majored in Fine Arts
EXHIBITIONS
2002 Small Works, Trinity Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2000 Jason Rohlf & Bryce Hammond: New Paintings, Trinity Gallery, Atlanta, GA
1998
November 15 Michael H. Lord Gallery, Milwaukee, WI- Reception to preview the paintings before they were shown in New York
October 30 Art against AIDS, Wiess Hospital, Chicago, IL- Artwork donated
October 24 Beauty Benefit, Milwaukee, WI- Proceeds support the art programs at the Studio San Damiano
October 9 Judy Saslow Gallery, Chicago, IL - "Beneath the surFACES" solo
September 10 Hunger Task Force, Milwaukee, WI- Painting selected for use on their holiday cards. Proceeds form the piece and the cards support hunger relief
1997
November 15 Judy Saslow Gallery, Chicago, IL- Three person show
October 26 Art for AIDS Benefit, Milwaukee, WI- Featured in the auction catalog
April 18 Michael H. Lord Gallery, Milwaukee, WI- Solo show
1996
November 18 Judy Saslow Gallery, Chicago, IL- Group Show
October 15 Michael H. Lord Gallery, Milwaukee, WI-Group Show
June 2 Art for AIDS Benefit, Milwaukee, WI- Artwork selected for use on promotional posters, shirts etc.; original auctioned off
1995
April 21 Silver Paper Gallery, Milwaukee, WI- Two Person Show
March 1 Union Art Gallery, Milwaukee, WI "Collective Efforts" Group Show
collaborated with artist Jennifer Giwowksy
1993
October 15 Silver paper Gallery, Milwaukee, WI- Two Person Show
PUBLICATIONS
1997
May 21 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Michael H. Lord show reviewed in the Cue section
March New Art Examiner, "Studio View" article reviewing work in its studio environment
1996
July 21 Q Voice, "Studio Visit" article focusing on work and studio
1995
May 1 Milwaukee Magazine, Silver Paper review, "Shamans and Dreams"
1994
January 9 Milwaukee Journal, Best debut for 1993
1993
December 5 Milwaukee Journal, Silver Paper review
December 1 Art Muscle Magazine, Cover Art
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Embassy Suites
Alston and Bird LLP
The Grape
Mr. Richard A. Warren
Jim and Jacky Young
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