Overview
In a span of 25 years, David Rosenak (American, born 1957) has looked closely at the cityscape that defines the limited range between his work, home, and studio locations in the Buckman neighborhood of southeast Portland. Though his work may be seen within the scope of limitations—the narrow physical range of places, as well as the grayscale palette he uses for all of his paintings—what Rosenak offers is the boundless ability to see even within these parameters.
Influenced by Persian and Indian miniature paintings, Rosenak offers us the magical realism of the everyday, including one’s own neighborhood through the speckled light from trees, the shimmer of rain covered streets, a warm glow of light from a window at night, the dramatic shadows from buildings, and the abundant sunlight cast upon homes. In untitled (Plaid Pantry), Rosenak examines commonplace marvels such as the neighborhood convenience store, inviting viewers to look meticulously at what might be the most familiar of our surroundings.
Acknowledgements
Curated by Grace Kook-Anderson, The Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Curator of Northwest Art. This exhibition is supported by The Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Endowments for Northwest Art.