Primarily a self taught artist. RenO took two art classes while receiving a Bachelor of Art in Biology/Chemistry. Much of his knowledge of art history or technique came from reading books and mentorships. In 1995, RenO claims to have come across essays written by Jean Dubuffet that encouraged his desire to create. This along with an interest in surrealism influenced him to search for his own style of expression in painting and sculpture.

Education

Bachelor of Arts
North Central College Naperville, IL
1996

Nuclear Medicine Technology

College Of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
1998

Artist Statement

My work is essentially about stress, how we manage it, and how we can use art as a way to identify the source and outcomes of its presence. As a child there were two facts of my existence in relation to this. One being that I had an increased sense of anxiety to failure, and two being I was diagnosed with arthritis at age 10. The coupling of these two main factors, amongst many others, led me down a path of creativity and inquisition, that weighed differently throughout my life.

Though there were times in my life that took me to places I’d rather not return to, I never wanted to create art from a place of brooding and darkness. I remember as a young adult conscientiously wanting to make art that was colorful and uplifting and unique to myself as an individual. I saw a future of a brighter palette stemmed not from the color theorists of the past or a color trend of a future industry, but from one based off of my own experiment and emotional intuition. The basis or basics of art can be boiled down to simplistic forms: line, color, and composition which are arguably the most essential. I’ve come to realize that intuition and narrative can be equally important but not necessary.

As most people ask themselves…How do i contribute to and change the world which we all live in and provide for ourselves in this reality? So began this balancing act of real life responsibilities in conjunction with the need to make art as a means of expression and a model of life and existence.

Art Exhibitions and Showings

2024 "Art On Cardboard" Show, Project Onward, Chicago, IL

2024 “Beautiful Souls” Pilsen Arts and Community House, Chicago, IL

2024 “Carnival Of Fire” Vector Frabrication, Chicago, IL
2024 “Beauty and The Eye of the Beholder” Artistry, Indianapolis, IN

2023 “Scapes” Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL
2023 “Ten By Ten” Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL
2023 Solo Exhibit, Artistry, Indianapolis, IN
2020 “Flowers Of The Pandemic” Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL

2019 “Artistic License” Smiling Rock Gallery, Chicago, IL
2019 “Chicago Artists Highlight” Smiling Rock Gallery, Chicago, IL

2019 “Blue” Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL

2019 “Painting and Sculpture” Easter Conservation Services, Indianapolis, IN

2019 “Public Spaces” Jackson Junge Gallery, Chicago, IL
2018 “Pop Up” Solar Flare Arts, Chicago, IL

2009 “Open Studios”, Central Park Arts, Chicago, IL

2008 “Mixology” Acorn Theater, Three Oaks, MI

2008 “Nothing To Do With A Red Pickup” Underscene Warehouse, Chicago, IL

2008 “Studio Art” Group Show, Chicago, IL
2008 “The Perverted Art Show” Lotus Keep Gallery, Chicago, IL
2007 “The Birch Series” The Silver Room, Chicago, IL

2007 “Activate” Underscene Warehouse, Chicago, IL

2007 “Mardi Gras” Pilsen Cafe, Chicago, IL

2007 “Ship and Shore” Galerie Stoodeeooh, Union Pier, MI

2007 “De La Lo” Lotus Keep Gallery, Chicago, IL
2007 Solo Show, Webster’s Wine Bar, Chicago, IL
2006 Solo Show, Estelle’s, Chicago, IL

2006 “Overlooked” Underscene Warehouse, Chicago, IL
2006 “Who Arted?” Lollapalooza Music Festival, Chicago, IL
2006 Lawyers for Creative Arts Annual, Playboy Enterprises, Chicago, IL

2006 Group Show, Hi Gallery, Chicago, IL
2006 “Green Room” The Congress Theater, Chicago, IL
2006 “Day Two” Galerie Stoodeeooh, Union Pier, MI
2005 “Art and 8Ball” GCue Billiards, Chicago, IL
2004 “The First Day” Galerie Stoodeeooh, Union Pier, MI

2002 Around The Coyote, Chicago, IL

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Live Performance Painting

2021 Live Painting, Bucktown Garden Walk with Kahil El'Zabar and Phil Angotti, Chicago, IL

2019 Live Painting, Harbor Park Jazz, Rhythm and Blues Fest, Kenosha, WI

2019 Live Painting, Art Wauk, Waukegan, IL
2010 Live Painting, CSI Benefit Gala, Chicago, IL

2010 Live Painting with Common, Libertyville, IL
2010 Live Painting with Bobby Brown, Libertyville, IL
2010 Live Painting with Ice Cube and Rakim, Libertyville, IL

2007 Live Painting, Funky Buddha Lounge Chicago, IL

2006 Live Painting, The Note, Chicago, IL