Nancy Rosen - Frankly Mine at Studio Oh!

Nancy Rosen, mixed media on paper, 50x50"

This past Friday evening—fighting the remnants of a holiday cold—I was excited to attend the opening reception of Nancy Rosen’s latest solo exhibition titled, “Frankly Mine” at Studio Oh! When I arrived, I was inundated by the crowd of Rosen’s passionate collectors—many who have been made aware of Rosen’s work due to the Netflix show “Grace and Frankie.” The show's producers found Rosen’s work and continue to utilize it as that of Frankie’s—the character played by the iconic Lily Tomlin.

Rosen—a highly prolific artist—has been working in her current style for more than a decade. I believe that I first became aware of Rosen’s work in 2009 when I juried one of her large works on paper into an exhibition titled “Red” at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. A solo exhibition followed shortly thereafter. Since then, I’ve been honored to curate many of her pieces into the ever-evolving human rights exhibition, “The Art of Influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions.” The show offers unique presentations for each new venue. 

Rosen will tell you that painting—for her—is like breathing… it’s just what she does. She will also tell you that, what you see in her paintings is your own reflection. I agree with her. When you look at any piece of art, you bring your history to that moment. Your personal reality—created by your past—is what you experience.

As a curator, I’ve spent a great deal of time exploring Rosen’s imagery. Seemingly influenced by the organically-abstract style of Egon Schiele—the early 20th century Austrian painter—Rosen creates her figures with irregular lines, generally understated color and beautifully-obsessive background patterns, which result in highly emotional compositions. Mostly the void of men, in my mind, her work is about women and their supportive relationships with other women. Rosen’s imagery defines the beauty and the pressures of the female experience. The beautiful background patterns seem to be  symbolic of humanity disappearing into visual chaos.

If you have not had the opportunity to experience the work of Nancy Rosen, make the time to visit Studio Oh! Located at 4839 N. Damen Avenue in Chicago. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1-6 pm and by appointment. The exhibition continues through February 15th.
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Breaking Criminal Traditions ~ In its Final Days at IIT Chicago - Kent College of Law

Nancy Rosen, Dreaming Comes True, Mixed Media, 44 x 30"

The Breaking Criminal Traditions exhibition, currently on view at IIT Chicago - Kent College of Law, will come to a conclusion on April 12th. The exhibition, which is being presented on the third floor of 565 West Adams in Chicago's Loop, has been on view since October 10th. The show presents the work of eleven artists, ranging in media from painting and drawing to photography and sculpture. The work presented, alludes to global criminal traditions... traditions  that are ancient, ongoing rituals that kill or maim millions of people each year. These rituals typically go unpunished because they are rarely considered crimes. 

I've compiled pieces that walk a fine line between beauty, and the horror of the traditions. Only one of the represented Artists—Richard Laurent—has intentionally created imagery, defining the traditions. The other Fine Artists were invited to participate specifically because of my interpretation of their content... content that can represent one or more of the many issues at hand. These issues include: Honor Killing, Human Trafficking, and Forced Child Marriage. The show approaches many others. 

The intent of the exhibition is to raise awareness of criminal traditions and begins a dialogue. In doing so, the exhibition—and the various events that accompany it—may encourage change. 

The Art of influence: Breaking Criminal Traditions is on display through April 12. The gallery is located on the 3rd floor of the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, located at 565 West Adams Street in Chicago [the corner of Adams and Jefferson]. Street Parking is abundant and entry is free. The gallery hours are: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-11pm, Friday 7:30am-9:30pm, and Saturday 8:30am- 6pm. Most of the pieces included in the exhibition are available for purchase. Additional information can be found at BreakingCriminalTraditions.com.

Nancy Rosen was born in Chicago and—except for her four years at the Kansas City Art Institute where she earned a BFA in painting and sculpture—this is where she has remained. Her mixed media imagery—mostly figurative—is created using a blend of oil bars, china markers, graphite, and oil paint. Each unique piece is created with combinations of these materials applied to the surface of hand-made papers or linen. The images emerge from an infinite number of rich colorful layers. Rosen’s work has been included in numerous exhibitions across the country. Recent venues include the Kansas City Art Coalition, Elmhurst Museum, Milliken University, The Post Family, and The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Nancy Rosen continues to devote her life to painting, exhibiting, and teaching.
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Nancy Rosen ~ More is More

I received a call from Artist, Nancy Rosen last week. We haven't talked in awhile and she wanted to get together. She told me that she had an exhibition up and that she wanted me to see it. And so I did.

The show—of more then 100 paintings—was hung in an unconventional space on West Hubbard. Hung salon style—in a number of rooms—the variety of paintings offers the viewer some insight of Rosen's figurative journey. Covered with patterns and textures, the nontraditional renditions of women—primarily of their relationships with other women—cover almost every wall of the industrial loft space. A well-attended reception was held last month but their is still time to experience the work by appointment. If interested, contact Nancy Rosen through her web site nrosen.com

The Preview Exhibition continues...

The Preview Exhibition for “The Art of Human Rights” at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art will be closing on February 11th. There are still a variety of wonderful pieces available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting Heartland Alliance.

Shown above [foreground] is a twelve-inch square, mixed media piece titled “They are Burning” by Caroline Anderson. Anderson’s painting is available for $650.

In the background—left to right—


Ted Preuss
“Forget-Me-Not #1”, 16 x 20” silver gelatin print, $650


Nancy Rosen
“No Thanks”, 22 x 30” mixed media, $2,400

Susan Berg
“Westward Bound” 11 x 20" black and white photograph, $250. - No detail available.

Works included in this exhibition range in price from $200-$3,200. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop.

Save the Date... Friday, January 22

The Art of Human Rights ~ Preview Exhibition
Benefiting Heartland Alliance
Reception: Friday, January 22, 5:30-7:30

Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago will host this year's Preview Exhibition for "The Art of Human Rights" to benefit Heartland Alliance. The Exhibition will open at Gallery 180 with a reception on January 22nd. The event is free and exhibited work will be available for purchase. All proceeds from this event will help Heartland Alliance's HIV/AIDS programs and services.

The Preview Exhibition will include just some of the pieces that have been donated by generous Artists from around the country. The entire collection of donated works will be accessible at Heartland's February 19th benefit, which will be held at the River East Art Center. Additional information on that event can be found at: artofhumanrights.com

Please join us from 5:30-7:30 on Friday January 22 for the Preview Exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. Gallery 180 is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago's Loop. "The Art of Human Rights" Preview Exhibition will continue at Gallery 180 through February 11th.

Above: Nancy Rosen, "No Thanks" mixed media, 2008

Nancy Rosen… “Save me from myself”

One of the most prolific artists that I know is sending out a humorous plea for help in clearing out her studio. Nancy Rosen’s sometimes tawdry figurative depictions, capture the introspection as well as the intimacy of tender human encounters. Rosen’s painted and drawn figures tend to evoke a strange curiosity … an interest in the concealed thoughts behind each distorted face. The images are intriguing.

Rosen will be holding an open studio event Sunday and Monday, December 13th and 14th, 10-5 and 10-8 respectively. Her studio is located at 7004 California in Chicago. You can see additional work on her web site: nrosen.com or contact her directly at me@nrosen.com. Plan to experience the work in person... it's truly wonderful!

Image: Nancy Rosen #12106, 20x30

A Wonderful New Home In The Clouds...

Most Artists think of their work, as thou it were their children. It’s probably because the Artist brought them into the world. And when they're ready to leave home, every “parent” wants to know that their children are doing well. Well, two of Nancy Rosen’s “children” are doing very well in a new wonderful home in the clouds.

I spent the morning—installing two of Rosen’s pieces—in a wonderful home on an upper floor, right off of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The two mixed-media works were purchased from Rosen’s recent exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. The collector spotted them while walking by the gallery, which is located at the corner of Lake and Wabash in Chicago’s Loop.

Above - Rosen’s pieces hang in the formal entry of the collector’s home. Additional work by Rosen can be found at nrosen.com

Nancy Rosen... Enlightening

A few weeks back, a man came into Gallery 180 to take a look at the current exhibition of work by Nancy Rosen. He was in the midst of a passionate discussion with a female companion when I approached the pair and asked if they had any questions about the work. Paul Wandless introduced himself as a Professor of Art at Harold Washington College. We had a brief discussion and the conversation concluded with a request. Wandless asked if it would be alright to bring his students to Gallery 180 to see Rosen's work. He wanted to use the exhibition as an example of beautiful liner quality within fine art. I agreed.

Well, today was the day. But there was a little surprise. I had contacted Rosen to see if she was interested in speaking to the group. I would have given the students a good overview of the work, but I knew it would be beneficial for them to get the information directly from the Artist. Rosen was wonderful. Not only did she give a quick history of her career as an Artist, but she also spoke openly about the materials she uses and her unconventional process. She was an intriguing speaker.

The Nancy Rosen exhibition closes on Saturday. If you haven't yet had an opportunity to see this show, you only have a few days left. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago is located at 180 N. Wabash in Chicago's Loop. The gallery hours are from 9-6 Monday through Friday and 9-5 on Saturday. Additional work by Nancy Rosen can be seen at: nrosen.com. Also check out Rosen's wonderful studio tour on flickr

"Lady in Red" ...Nancy Rosen

Currently on display, at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, is a wonderful exhibition of mixed media pieces by Nancy Rosen. This exhibition of figurative works—with complex patterned backgrounds—opened on July 27 and will continue through September 10th. I've written at length about the beauty and depth of this show in past posts. It's an amazing body of work and people seem to be drawn into the space, after catching just a glimpse from the street.

Well, September will soon be here and the Rosen show will be removed to make way for the National Juried Exhibition titled "red". And while Rosen collects the current work from Gallery 180—or at least the pieces that remain—she will also be dropping off yet another incredible piece... "Lady in Red".

Rosen's "Lady in Red" can be seen—along with the works of thirteen other artists from around the country—at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago from September 14 through November 11. The Reception for "red" will take place on Friday, October 9th from 5:30-7:30. Gallery 180 is located at the corner of Lake and Wabash in Chicago's Loop. The exhibition is free to the public and all works will be available for purchase. Additional work by Nancy Rosen can be found at nrosen.com

Image: Nancy Rosen, "Lady in Red" mixed media, 38x50", $9,500

Attending the Reception...

A very interesting woman attended tonight's reception for the Nancy Rosen exhibition currently on display at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. She made a quiet entrance, arriving alone. Her hair—a soft shade of light yellow bleached by Chicago's summer sun—contrasted a very atypical "little black dress". Her elaborate six-inch red heals [no exaggeration] were amazing works of art in themselves. They were perfect for an exhibition reception. They made a statement... This woman possessed confidence and elegance. When I spotted her, I knew that I wanted to photograph her... this image was captured.

If you find yourself at the northeast edge of Chicago's Loop, drop in and experience the exhibition. The Nancy Rosen exhibition continues through September 11th. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-5.

Installing Nancy Rosen

Nancy Rosen, "Stolen Time" Mixed Media, 44" x 60", $9,000

I spent the past few days installing the Nancy Rosen Exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. It was an interesting experience. Gallery 180 is located on the ground level at the corner of Lake and Wabash in Chicago's Loop. While hanging shows, I've grown accustom to onlookers trying to be the first to see the work being installed. But this weekend was quite unusual. I found myself being distracted—and entertained—by the numerous faces being pressed up against the large glass panes. People were intrigued by the work. Some even entered the "closed" gallery to view the work while it was sitting on the floor awaiting placement. If this is any indication of the shows success, Rosen should be quite overwhelmed at Friday's reception.

The Nancy Rosen exhibition opens this Friday with a reception from 5:30-7:30. Gallery 180 is located at 180 N. Wabash in Chicago's Loop. All of the works in this exhibition are available for purchase.

Save the date... Nancy Rosen

A reception for the Nancy Rosen exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, will be held on Friday, July 31 from 5:30-7:30pm.

Rosen’s large-scale mixed-media portraits—mostly women—are rich with quiet moments of humanity. Distorted and twisted, the figures seem to be visually influenced by the haunting portraiture of the early 20th century artist, Egon Schiele. While each artist has used the subject’s gaze to force a somewhat awkward moment with the viewer, Rosen’s—less tawdry—depictions capture introspection as well as the intimacy of tender human encounters. The encounters can range from a soft embrace to the hidden, reassuring brush of an index finger at the edge of the picture plane. Rosen’s painted and drawn figures tend to evoke a strange curiosity … an interest in the concealed thoughts behind each distorted face. Keep this in mind when experiencing the exhibition for Rosen points out that “...What you see in these paintings is your own reflection...”

The work of Nancy Rosen will be on display at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago from July 27 through September 11th. This exhibition is free and open to the public. Works are available for purchase. Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art is located at 180 N. Wabash—at the corner of Lake and Wabash—in Chicago’s Loop. The gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9-6 and Saturday 9-5.

A Prolific Creator

I stopped by Nancy Rosen's studio yesterday, to drop off a stack of promotional cards for her upcoming exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. I always find it intriguing to enter into another artist's space. The artist's environment is typically filled with creative energy, and in this case, it was oozing from Rosen and dripping from the walls.

When I arrived, Rosen was just finishing up a session with a model. As she wiped the paint from her face, I had a chance to look around the room, which was filled with newly-created work. I found myself lost in the gaze of the latest characters, each of whom seemed to project their own individual personality. I realized at that moment that Rosen is—not only—a prolific creator, but she is also a serious observer of the human condition. You can find her work on line at: nrosen.com

The work of Nancy Rosen will be on exhibition at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago July 27 through September 11 with an opening reception on Friday, July 31 from 5:30-7:30. For more information on this and future exhibitions, see gallery180.com

Nancy Rosen... A Studio Visit

Yesterday morning, I spent some time with Nancy Rosen, reviewing work for her upcoming solo exhibition at Gallery 180. We met at her Chicago studio. The space is an artist’s playground. Its walls are covered with drawings of figures at various stages of completion. The exposed surfaces revel the marks of past work. The space is so comfortable and I had been looking forward to our visit. At our last meeting—this past fall—I found Rosen to be genuine and delightful.

I first met Nancy Rosen a few years back when she entered—and was included into—one of the school’s annual Acquisition Exhibitions. I knew at that time that I wanted to stay aware of the work she was producing. Rosen is a prolific artist who typically paints the female form. Her figures are stylistically reminiscent of the Austrian painter Egon Schiele but her content is much tamer. While Schiele would present imagery focused on masturbation or sexual encounters, Rosen focuses on the intimacy, friendship and compassion between women.


At times her figures are singular with a slight hint of another presence. Most recently, the figures have become flanked by repeating patterns. These patterns interact with the figure and at times they even meld onto the surface of the forms. A color shift is used to stop the figure from fading into the wallpaper, a reference from Rosen's history with textiles. The seemingly symbolic imagery is intense and thought provoking.

Rosen writes on her web site: “I am a painter. For me this does not require much thinking, it is like breathing. What you see in these paintings is your own reflection...” I find her words insightful, for we can only see—in a painting—what has been created by our own experience. Take a moment and review Rosen’s work at nrosen.com. Realize that the site doesn't include Rosen's most current work, but it still presents a wonderful sampling of her imagery.

The work of Nancy Rosen will be on display at Gallery 180 of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, July 27 –September 11 with an Opening Reception on Friday, July 31 from 5:30-7:30.