Rasimus Art Exhibit

Free spirited artist John Rasimus revealed his exhibit, "Embracing Darkness and Living Your Dreams," at a reception several weeks ago. His exhibit will remain on display through Friday, Nov. 27.

Laughing cowboys, hoards of scantily clad women, large woodblock butterflies, and a surprise on-going animation hidden inside a wooden box, are just the few of the innovative artworks that Rasimus presents. "I think it's pretty varied, these 2D artists [have] animation, sculpture, and insulation... it's very interesting. I've seen his work before and I think they're very whimsical, funny," comments Armella Ma(need to check last name), TAMIU Senior Art Major, and a frequent at art exhibits.

The artist carries this assorted theme into his pieces as they, according to him, tell an ongoing story, open to audience interpretation. "A lot of the drawings form a story that I don't really know about but people see, can actually read it as a movie, also. The small drawings are like negative film," says Rasimus. He's referring to the series of small drawings of female portraits and others of women expressing unquestionably interesting actions.

Rasimus is hardly a stranger to artist expression. Initially planning to pursue criminal justice as a police officer, his decision to trickle down his present journey occurred early in life. "I think I was an artist by 15. I figured that artist was a good way in doing the thing I wanted to do so it was pretty early actually. It was simple. You start with drawings because it's convenient. It's a nice size. You can stuff it in your drawer. I started with prints when I was 17 years old... and I never stopped," explains Rasimus.

Meanwhile, often commonly noted for his European appeal, this Swedish artist maintains that the depiction of art and need for expression of art is pretty similar globally. "I think that people try to express, you know, the situation. There's not that much difference actually in techniques and things like that," continues Rasimus.

He goes on to credit American history and present pop culture as a source of inspiration. "I've been looking though. I've always loved American artists, American artists from the fifties and sixties and the eighties, Mike Kelly and Paul McCartney. I'm greatly influenced by American artists," says Rasimus. Indisputably, the playfulness of Mike Kelly's work mirrors the capricious nature of Rasimus' art pieces.

For those interesting in viewing the gallery, the exhibit will be up until November 27 and hours of operation are 12- 5p.m., Monday through Thursdays and by appointment. Admission to the CFPA Gallery is free. Please take into consideration that some artworks do contain adult content.

For more information, please contact Alma Haertlien at 326-3041.