ARTBOX Stutz II is pleased to host the exhibition opening for “Visceral Discourse”, featuring the work of local artist Jason Myers and Sacramento’s Rogelio Manzo on Friday, April 1st, 2011 from 5pm-12am, as we celebrate their captivating new work. Cerebral in content and bold in design, this body of work explores what is below the surface from the perspectives of these two very different artists; while Rogelio pulls back the external physical layers of his subjects to reveal the inner story he sees beneath, Myers uses abstracted figures and confounded text to reveal memories turned to singular moments buried deep within his subconscious. The resulting work in both cases is a striking personification of what is typically concealed by the human eye and mind.
The work of Rogelio Manzo places the figures in the foreground without a sense of an environment, forcing the viewer to focus on the fragmented visages and figures that are painted with an expressionistic fervor. With surfaces ranging from thick impasto to thin washes with areas of the canvas left bare, this treatment adds to the sensation of his subjects being flayed to reveal their innermost feelings. His preferred format of squares, often as large as 6′ x 6′, also directs the viewer’s attention on the anguished faces and bodies. His palette of tones of black, brown, gray, and a blood red adds to the feeling of bleak reality, with occasional hits of dandelion yellow, sky blue, or cardinal red brightening the palette and adding a sense of optimism. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1975, Manzo studied architecture at Instituto Tecnologico de Colima but left before receiving his degree. He simultaneously studied with Rafael Heredia at the Escuela de Arte Juan Arrue (1997-1999), and has taken diverse workshops in drawing, painting, and sculpture. His work has been exhibited throughout Mexico, Europe, and the USA and he was awarded an “Award of Excellence” at The 75th Crocker-Kingsley California’s Biennial 2009, as well as at Civic Centre Barceloneta “The Fifth Continent” exhibition in Barcelona, Spain.
The visual manifestations of the internal deliberations of Jason Myers are known throughout Indianapolis for their layered canvases, haunting figures, and unrecognizable text. Reflecting upon moments drawn from deep within his psyche, these paintings personify fuzzy recollections, regurgitated years later, in his physical attempt to measure what transpired in this single fragment of time, figures trapped between an emotional and physical environment. His new body of work, while derivative of his unmistakable style, explores new palettes and mediums in a way that is both playful and contemplative. Varying from larger-than-life figures to small drawings in ink, each displays a rawness and honesty that draws an emotional response from the viewer. Born in Logansport, Indiana, in 1972, Myers received his M.F.A. from American University, Washington D.C. and his B.F.A. from Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City Missouri. He is an active professional artist in many mediums and has taught printmaking, painting, and drawing at American University in Washington D.C. His work is held in numerous collections and has been widely exhibited throughout the U.S.
Exhibition location:
ARTBOX Gallery, Stutz II
217 West 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317/955-2450
Entrance and parking on Senate, between 9th & 10th
Gallery hours: Monday-Friday 11a-5p and by appointment
