"Snagged"

Piece description from the artist

"There are quite a few symbols I have been using repeatedly for the last few years. Among them: cinder blocks, letters (envelopes), balloons, picture frames, and hearts. I don’t like to define too much what these objects mean to me, because in many cases people can figure that out for themselves. While they may have a specific personal meaning, that information is not readily available to the viewer. However, the viewer reacts to these objects and what they convey to him or her, and the manner in which they are composed provide further reactions to what those symbols might mean.

These drawings are made in response and reflection to my own emotions and experiences. I want to tell people about them, and I choose to do that in images. I could reveal the ugly truth about something and take the mystery out of it, but by doing that I would take away the opportunity for the viewer to relate my artwork to their own experiences. Giving away the story would be too easy – and in some cases, embarrassing. Why give one ‘answer’ when there’s room for interpretation? Do you want to be told what something ‘is,’ or would you rather figure it out yourself?"

Other works by Nathan Vernau

About Nathan Vernau

Chicago, IL

Nathan Vernau was born in 1981, in the great state of Wisconsin. He earned his B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in 2005 and, after earning his M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2009, moved to Chicago.

Being heavily influenced by comic books and the stories he read as a child, the idea of sequence and narrative has become essential to Nathan's drawings. By animating body language, using symbols, and adding text he creates a visual conversation with the viewer. The words, phrases, or lyrics that appear offer multiple interpretations and double meanings that signify an inability to effectively communicate with others.

His work has been reviewed by "ArtSlant":http://ArtSlant.com, "ArtLog":http://ArtLog.com, and The Chicago Tribune, as well as featured in "New American Paintings":http://www.newamericanpaintings.com, "Studio Visit Magazine":http://studiovisitmagazine.com, and "MISC Magazine":http://www.miscmagazine.com. He has exhibited work at the Project Lodge and the "Overture Center for the Arts":http://www.theprojectlodge.com. In Chicago he has shown at "The Milk Factory":http://www.themilkfactorygallery.com and "Robert Bills Contemporary":http://www.robertbillscontemporary.com/home.

See Nathan's portfolio here
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