Ro2 Art

This Saturday, September 14th from 7 to 10 pm, Ro2 Art is hosting a closing reception for its current three artists. These beautifully intimate, contemplative, and narrative-rich works combine daily life with fantastical elements. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a multi-generational array of artistic talent and female perspectives all in one space. From Cheryl’s immersive storytelling commenting on interpersonal connections to Hanna’s intimate close-cropped moments of time captured and evinced by her bilingual poetry to Midge’s commentary on the fleeting nature of life via her surreal and fantastical works this truly is an event to experience.

Cheryl Finfrock, The Light Beneath Our Skin

Hanna-Kratsman-Robles, Windows and Poemas

Midge Lynn, Atmospheres

September 14th
7:00-10:00 PM

Saturday Night! Closing Reception: Cheryl Finfrock, Midge Lynn, and Hanna Kratsman Robles - https://mailchi.mp/ro2art/opening-saturday-ron-english-bill-haveron-and-the-wheeler-brothers-at-ro2-art-10711370

Tomorrow afternoon - Exploring fresh perspectives from the everyday, a lively discussion with Cheryl Finfrock, Hanna Kratsman-Robles, and Midge Lynn - https://mailchi.mp/ro2art/september-art-talk

Robert Weiss’s scenic paintings featured in Carla Parker’s Daddy’s Rabbits: A Cotton Tale reflects the play’s enchanting immersive world of magic, music, spectacle and fables that promise to be another remarkable Ochre House Theater Production.

Robert Weiss’s artistic intent to initiate a deeper exploration of narratives via the combination of allegory and technical processes that work together to form a tableau that hint at artistic and historical references shows in his works.

According to Weiss’s artistic philosophy ‘Each application of paint is like building a compost pile: the material becomes the rich organic material to grow an image. The viewer investigates the symbolic gestures of the painting, from pigments to content, through suggestions or negations of space; allegory and material work together to maximize an experience.’

These are the last two days to see the play, be sure to check the Ochre House Theater‘s website for tickets at https://ochrehousetheater.org/.

🦢 Erica Stephen reclaims her personal history by delving into the complexities of femininity, power, and memory.
Her mixed-media piece, “And the Swans Sang Songs Only They Would Hear”(2021),crafted from floss fabric and embroidery mounted on wood, weaves together a symbolic narrative of family lineage, fertility, and healing.

Inspired by poets like Langston Hughes, Stephen’s work embodies an exuberant exploration of abstraction and materiality, anchored in the emotional depths of dedication to a former lover facing the brink of infertility.
This piece serves as a poignant tribute to resilience and the intimate experiences that shape our lives.

Now on view at Ro2 Art Gallery on the “Summer Salon” wall.

Hanna Kratsman-Robles’ incorporation of poetry serves as both a visual and emotional guide, weaving through her paintings and framing the scenes with an elegant fluidity. This interplay of text and image invites viewers to navigate the delicate balance between serenity and contemplation, captured in both written and visual forms.

Image: Hanna Kratsman-Robles, The sun rose and I forgot…, 2023 Oil, ink, clay and gouache, 12 × 12 in

“Rising Dawn” from Yuni Lee’s 2023 solo exhibition Mindscapes, explores the dynamic relationship between nature and technology. Her work takes inspiration from organic objects, including leaves, flowers, and branches, as well as technology.

image: Yuni Lee, Rising Dawn, 2022, Mixed media on canvas, 48 × 48 in

Cheryl Finfrock: The Light Beneath Our Skin, on view through September 14th!

Possessing an innate relatability, Cheryl Finfrock’s works remain grounded through the openness of her subjects. Her captivating paintings draw viewers into intimate spaces that are, at times, surprising or unexpected yet with an air of familiarity that invites careful observation and introspection. Each piece serves as a snapshot of a larger story, leaving viewers eager to see more.

Image: Cheryl Finfrock, “Later That Morning…” 2023, acrylic on clayboard, 12x12x2

“Sitting on the couch and feeling the warm light of the sun, I thought about how much I missed the salty breeze that came through an always open window of my grandmother’s house in Bayamon.

Me paro y toco las hojas de mis plantas para sentir el verde del Caribe que ahora solo veo entre las paredes de mi casa enmasilladas en vasos pintados de blanco.”

Images:
Hanna Kratsman Robles, Tanto Tiempo, 2024, Gouache on paper, 10 1/4 × 13 1/4 in
Hanna Kratsman Robles, They Fly In Reverse, 2024, Gouache on paper, 10 1/4 × 13 1/4 in
Hanna Kratsman Robles, Lovely Facial Expression, 2024, Gouache on paper, 10 1/4 × 13 1/4 in

“My work focuses on themes of personal experience and human nature, dichotomies, irony, and perceived reality. Choosing the images and models in my work is an inquisitive journey, more intuitive than intellectual, melding psychology and symbolism.”

Midge Lynn’s artwork shifts between realistic and fantastical elements, creating a sense of continuous motion and intrigue. Her exhibition is a testament to her mastery in merging diverse styles and themes, creating art that is both observational and transportive.

Images:
Midge Lynn, Green Line, 2020, Oil on panel, 36 × 36 in
Midge Lynn, Dots, 2024, Oil on canvas, 8 × 16 in

“Windows and Poemas” is a compelling exploration of identity and emotion through the innovative merging of three languages: English, Spanish, and Color. Hanna Kratsman Robles’ work is characterized by a profound intimacy, achieved through close-cropped views and the depiction of fleeting, personal moments. Her incorporation of poetry serves as both a visual and emotional guide, weaving through her paintings and framing the scenes with an elegant fluidity. This interplay of text and image invites viewers to navigate the delicate balance between serenity and contemplation, captured in both written and visual forms. The collection encourages open interpretation, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeply personal level, free from the constraints of translation.

Stop by Ro2 Art today and spend a moment with each of her introspective, contemplative, and intimate pieces!

Now On View!

Thank you to everyone who came to the opening of Cheryl Finfrock’s “The Light Beneath Our Skin,” Hanna Kratsman-Robles’ “Windows and Poemas,” and Midge Lynn’s “Atmospheres.”

Their exhibitions will remain on view through September 14th, so don’t miss your chance to view these artists’ beautiful works, each with a unique style and perspective!

Stop by Ro2 Art, Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm at 2606 Bataan St., Dallas, TX, 75212!

Opening Saturday!

Ro2 Art is very excited to present three amazing shows by Midge Lynn, Hanna Kratsman-Robles, and Cheryl Finfrock! Join us this Saturday from 7-10 pm for our opening reception, where we will unveil these beautifully intimate, contemplative, and narrative-rich works.

With a B.A. from California State University, Northridge, and an M.F.A. from Otis Art Institute, Midge Lynn’s work has been exhibited locally and internationally, including exhibits at the Scapular Gallery Nomad in France, the Patricia Correia Gallery in Santa Monica, LACMA, and Barnsdall Municipal Gallery in Los Angeles. In addition to her studio practice, Midge served as President of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825, where she founded and ran the Gallery 825 Drawing Workshop for thirteen years.

After completing her BFA at the University of North Texas, Hanna Kratsman Robles is now an IB Visual Arts teacher in Fort Worth. During her time as a teacher, she has completed two residencies which allowed her to connect with artists abroad and bring unique perspectives into her artwork and the classroom. As an artist, Hanna uses her artwork to explore her multicultural identity by depicting still shots of her quiet life in her Fort Worth apartment and focusing on bright colors inspired by her Caribbean home.

A Trinity University graduate in art and literature, Cheryl Finfrock explores the figure in its awkwardness, anonymity, and universality, creating a narrative steeped in the tradition of Texas storytelling. Exhibits span the US and Europe, including New York City, Dallas, San Francisco, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Berlin, Copenhagen, Montreal, Paris, and Sofia. Her work can be found in numerous public and private collections. Her works have been selected for juried exhibitions across the country and she has also contributed to significant group exhibitions, including the Dallas Art Fair and the AT&T Showcase in Dallas, TX.

Their shows will be on view from August 10 until September 14. We can’t wait for you to see their amazing works.

Taylor Cleveland’s work is multilayered, addressing a range of contemporary issues. His art captures moments of leisure while simultaneously critiquing our culture’s need for instant gratification. By creating his works through AI generation, Cleveland questions the very nature of art and also asks audiences to really consider “what is art?” These drawings, produced using a pen plotter interpreting Cleveland’s input, explore the intersection of technology and creativity.

Don’t forget to join us at Ro2 Art this Sunday, August 4th from 8-10 pm for your last chance to view these innovative pieces. This will also be an opportunity to see augmented versions of his work!

Tomorrow! Join us at Ro2 Art to hear Joachim West’s artist talk from 2-4 PM.

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to explore West’s fantastical and absurd creations. Filled with wild scenes and characters, West crafts vivid narratives that serve as social criticism. Working in different styles and mediums, his practice embodies the ideology that “when it comes to making art, there are no rules.”

Images:
Joachim West, Revelations, 2024, Graphite on paper, 38 × 50 in
Joachim West, Ethics 101, 2024, Graphite on paper, 44 × 35 in
Joachim West, Red Butt St., 2022, Graphite on paper, 50 × 38 in

Opening Soon!

Ro2 Art is excited to present three new exhibitions featuring artists Hanna Kratsman Robles, Midge Lynn, and Cheryl Finfrock!

This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience a multi-generational array of artistic talent and female perspectives all in one space. The exhibitions will open August 10th and remain on view through September 14th, with an opening reception to be held Saturday, August 10th, from 7-10pm. We can’t wait to see you there!

“Windows and Poemas” is a compelling exploration of identity and emotion through the innovative merging of three languages: English, Spanish, and Color. In this series, Hanna Kratsman Robles creates a vivid tapestry where intimate moments and personal reflections intertwine, providing a window into the duality of her cultural heritage.

In her latest exhibition “Atmospheres,” Midge Lynn invites us to journey through layers of reality, from the microscopic to the global with her captivating paintings of birds and her works on reimagined globes.

Cheryl Finfrock’s exhibition, “The Light Beneath Our Skin,” immerses viewers in a world where expressive artistry meets raw honesty and storytelling. Her paintings, brimming with vibrant colors, depict human and animal figures embodying the essence of community.

Closing Week!
This week will be your last chance to view the innovative works by artists Taylor Cleveland, David W. Van Ness, and Joachim West.

Taylor Cleveland is renowned for his innovative fusion of new media rendering and traditional art, he addresses themes of technology, human connection, and societal reflection through his mesmerizing compositions. His work has been recognized internationally through various exhibitions and collaborations including the AI/motion pieces featured in Adnan Razvi’s international “MAWIMBI” series, being a featured artist for Meow Wolf, and having been published in the Nasher Sculpture Center magazine.

Joachim West creates intricate compositions that blend narrative, social critique, and whimsy to explore humanity’s relationship with the environment and societal norms. His work has been featured on major news platforms and publications such as CBS News, Yahoo News, and Artnet. Joachim’s art has been exhibited at the Meadows Museum of Art and other venues both nationally and internationally.

David W Van Ness is known for his distorted, glitched sculptures that explore the malleability of matter catalyzing conversations on mental health, and pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. He is an assistant professor and founder of the New Media Art program at Northern Arizona University. His notable projects include the “Stacking Cow” concept and biological 3D printing works like “The Biological Self-Portrait.” Based in Flagstaff, AZ, he continues to innovate in the art field.

These works will be on view at Ro2 Art until Saturday, August 3rd with a unique closing event held Sunday August, 4th from 8-10pm!

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Today! Join us at Ro2 Art for David W. Van Ness’ Artist talk happening from 2-4 PM! We can’t wait to see you there!

Image: David W. Van Ness Recovery, 2023 Ceramic, Gold powder and Resin 7 × 8 × 6 in

Congratulations to Cheryl Finfrock for being featured in Canopy’s ‘In The Spotlight’ series earlier this year! Her amazing works will be showcased at her newest exhibition, “The Light Beneath Our Skin,” which will be on view at Ro2 Art from August 10th to September 14th.

“I like the idea that stories told with images can communicate silently but not necessarily quietly. I regard the picture plane as a stage and those who occupy it as characters of place and person.”
— Cheryl Finfrock

We are so excited to be presenting Finfrock’s expressive pieces!

The sculpture “Depression Beast” embodies the artist’s vivid description of his depression to his therapist, portraying it as a sticky, tar-like creature wrapped around his heart. This piece captures the suffocating and pervasive nature of the emotional struggle, offering a powerful visual representation of the artist’s personal experience with depression.

Learn more about this work and many more at David W. Van Ness’ artist talk this Saturday, July 27th 2-4pm. Join us for this introspective experience!

Image: David W. Van Ness Depression Beast, 2023 PLA 3D Print, Fiberglass 17 × 15 × 12 in

This Saturday Ro2 Art Gallery is excited to host an artist talk with David W. Van Ness!

Interdisciplinary artist David Van Ness honestly and compassionately confronts the intricacies of mental health in his latest exhibition, “Out of the Corner.” David Van Ness was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and has been creating art for as long as he can remember. Van Ness has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions on 3D printing, including being an inaugural artist at the 3D Printshow in London.

In 2001, he created the original Stacking Cow, a concept for a mass-produced animal designed for easier shipping and consumption. The first model was handmade using a toy cow and two-part urethane. In 2005, when a New York gallery requested 500 stacking cows, David collaborated with a Dallas-based medical design and 3D printing company. This experience sparked his fascination with the relationship between material and subject in 3D printing. He began exploring whether the physical print or the data file constituted the actual art and pondered the inherent aesthetic of 3D modeling.

Join us this Saturday, July 27th, from 2-4pm at Ro2 Art Gallery, 2606 Bataan St., Dallas TX 75212, to hear Van Ness discuss his inventive works. We can’t wait to see you there!

Joachim West, Baggage, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 78x36

With art pieces that are simultaneously profound and playful, West’s art captures the solemnity and whimsy of the human experience, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of contemporary existence through a unique artistic lens.

Find more of his perplexing and thought provoking art at Ro2 Art, on view until August 3rd!

Saturday Is Gallery Day!

​​‘Robert E. Lee’ is the work that inspired Van Ness’ show ‘Out of the Corner.’ Van Ness utilizes a technique called 3D glitch which consists of manipulating a digital file mathematically to create an abstracted representation. Taking an initial 3D scan of a Confederate monument of Robert E. Lee, Van Ness combines it with ten years’ worth of hate crime data allowing for the final glitched form. Growing up in Texas, Van Ness was familiar with these monuments and their problematic presence so he set out to recontextualize them to make them more representative of history.

Find this and many more captivating works at Ro2 Art!

Image: David W. Van Ness Robert E. Lee, 2023 PLA 3D Print, Rusted Iron Coating 21 × 8 × 8 in

Taylor Cleveland, Water Wars, 2024 Inkjet on Canvas Paper, Print 36 × 48 in

“My practice is driven by a fascination with technologic systems that shape realities — from AI, digital media, and the internet, to social technologies like culture, language, and politics.”

Stop by Ro2 Art to view these dynamic works in artist-made, iridescent frames! “Water Wars: Ro2” will be on view until August 3rd!

Joachim West, Who M I?, 2018, Graphite and acrylic on paper, 44 × 35 in

“While Joachim’s work often focuses heavily on narrative and social criticism, it also embraces frivolity. At times his work is playful and at other moments it is somber.” Find this work and many more hyper-detailed compositions in his exhibition “Revelations” on view at Ro2 Art until August 3rd!

David W. Van Ness, Depression, 2023, PLA 3D Print, Fiberglass, High Visibility Paint, 14 × 18 × 13 in

Interdisciplinary artist David Van Ness honestly and compassionately confronts the intricacies of mental health, creating a safe space that reminds viewers they are not alone in his latest exhibition, “Out of the Corner.” Van Ness utilizes a technique called 3D glitch which consists of manipulating a digital file mathematically to create an abstracted representation. The way these pieces are glitched is intentional, as he takes the data from the initial 3D scan and connects it with the meaning of the work. For his sculpture ‘Depression,’ Van Ness has taken a scan of his own head and combined that with data from the CDC on mental health resulting in a work that is both personal and reflective of a wider cause.

Stop by Ro2 Art Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm to view this innovative show!

Taylor Cleveland, SuperPOD0043: An American Painting, 2023, Oil on Canvas & Easel, 78 1/2 × 27 × 29 in

Ro2 Art is excited to present Water Wars: Ro2, an exhibition of work by artist Taylor Cleveland. “Provocatively playful, I look for moments, gestures, and assemblages where consensus appears out of reach: an A.I. oil painting portrait of the former president, George W. Bush that was created via contracted labor in China, or a suspended sculpture made from turf and projectors dealing with the environmental affordances of new media. As form follows function, function follows reality, and my art is a means to reveal, question, create, and play with that reality.” On view at Ro2 Art Gallery, 2606 Bataan St. Open Tues-Sat, 12-5pm.

Now On View!

Joachim West’s ‘Revelations’ on view at Ro2 Art until August 3rd! A window into Joachim West’s evolving artistic journey amid a profound cultural and technological transformation, the exhibition “Revelations” unveils a collection of works that challenge human’s simplistic perceptions of nature. Through a dynamic interplay of narrative, social critique, and whimsy, West’s creations shift between moments of levity and introspection, characterized by intricate detail and deliberate abstraction.

Stop by Ro2 Art at 2606 Bataan St., Dallas, Texas 75212 to catch this captivating show!

Image: Joachim West, Temptation, 2020, Graphite and acrylic on paper, 50 × 38 in