Today in our fast paced society we don't take the time to look, to think, or to understand the world around us. Observations of our modern times turned into art; that is what I do. Figurative paintings that reference every day life are the topic of my work. My paintings capture moments of the direct gaze.

Being a part of the herd is so important and yet personal to everyone that my "pulp fiction" moments also raise questions of alienation. In this modern world where population is on the rise it is ironic that the individual has turned inward. Children play video games, interact with the computer, and listen to i-pods more than they interact with each other physically or personally. My artwork calls into question the way we interact with each other and our capitalist society.

My figurative paintings are moments in time that deal with human identity. Images are gathered through observational drawing and photography. The moments are staged and created through juxtaposition. Different observations and moments in time collide to create tension and subversion of identity. The paintings call into question the way we look, the way we feel and most importantly, the way we act. In this cell phone era my paintings address the human condition.



© Rohlander 2006