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Email PageTerry Rowlett 2007
June 6, 2007- July 20, 2007
Reception: June 6, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Terry Rowlett
Jenkins Johnson Gallery
521 W 26th St Terry Rowlett The Night Watch (2007) |
At first glance, one might interpret Terry Rowlett’s works as a modern day Biblical comic, depicting allegories of morality with everyday saints garbed in pajamas or revving their motorcycles. His blending of the secular and holy worlds intertwine like a melodic aria inspired by his Quaker roots and subsequent analyzation of their philosophy or application in modern society. Rowlett is one of few American artists today delving into the age old question of religion and current thought, rather than simply rebelling against it. Moreover, his technical and creative merit permits him to carefully dissect the mainstream propaganda machine whilst keeping contemporary art at the forefront of his works.
Rowlett adeptly juxtaposes contemporary objects such as Pepsi cups, beach chairs, and luxury cars with outstretched female Jesus depictions. By boldly taking a new approach on gender and its role in religion, he is questioning why humans may achieve feats like going to the moon or inventing the internet, but still struggle to accept his fellow man. President John F. Kennedy said, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.” Rowlett stands on this path in a conquest to force a higher understanding and fulfill the desire of a collective human understanding.
Rowlett says, “I start painting with a pretty firm understanding of what I want to express.” To Rowlett his work is more about freeing himself first, rather than placating to an audience. His intention is that his work is a reflection of himself and the inner struggle that is the human condition. Searching out the richness of life and underlying pulsating beat of the universe in his work, Rowlett propels the observer to a new level of comprehension, in which they are able to tune into the collective consciousness. The viewer immediately becomes part of the story as the characters are a reflection of everyday life. The visceral reaction Rowlett evokes is strengthened by this connection of common individuals to spiritual encounters. Through these scenes he challenges the audience to examine their moral foundations and the weight contemporary society plays in their lives. When you see a beautiful woman ascending into heaven, grocery bag in hand, you have to stop and wonder if that person could be you.
Terry Rowlett studied painting at The University of Georgia and The University of Arkansas. His work has been featured in exhibitions at Athens Institute for Contemporary Art, Athens, GA; Birmingham Art Association, Birmingham, AL; Catskill Gallery, Saugerties, NY; Fay Gold Gallery, Chicago, IL; Georgia Museum of Art , Athens, GA; Nobody Works, New York, NY; Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, GA; Zeitgeist Gallery, Nashville, TN; and, Zipper, Los Angeles, CA. Moreover, he has received review in Harper’s Bazaar, Spin Magazine, Harper’s Magazine, Nashville Science, Athens Magazine, Art Papers, The Oxford American, and The Georgia Review among others.
Books and DVDs related to artists in this show
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