Statement :
My work seeks to explore the nuanced layers of the human experience through the lens of surrealism. I am Joseph Renda Jr., and my paintings are portals into a world where the boundaries of reality and imagination converge, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and wonder.In my dreamscapes, tiny figures meander through vast landscapes, dwarfed by towering objects and mesmerizing skies. Through the surreal interplay of scale and symbolism, I strive to create a shared experience—one that transcends the confines of the canvas and sparks a dialogue between the viewer and the work. It is my hope that my paintings offer a momentary escape, a space where the mind can wander freely and the spirit can find solace in the beauty and complexity of the world.Nature, as a recurring motif, serves as both a backdrop and a narrative device in my work. It is through this lens that I explore themes of escapism and introspection, encouraging viewers to step beyond the confines of their immediate reality and delve into a world where the boundaries between the tangible and the ethereal blur.Ultimately, my work is a celebration of the surreal aspects of life that often go unnoticed; it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the innocence and wonder that resides within us all. Through my art, I seek to inspire a renewed appreciation for the delicate balance and profound interconnectedness of all things."Renda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in oil painting from the American Academy of Art. He is represented by Chicago’s Vertical Gallery, and Europe’s Galerie One. He has shown and curated numerous exhibitions both national and internationally, created large-scale public murals, and has had his work published in various magazines and blog
Joseph Renda Jr. (né en 1995) est un artiste basé à Chicago dont les peintures capturent la connexion profonde et inhérente entre les humains et le monde naturel. Son travail, hautement réaliste, donne vie à des représentations détaillées en les juxtaposant à des éléments d’imagerie surréaliste. Il invite son public à se laisser emporter par l’attraction de la nature et à se reconnecter à leurs racines à travers ses œuvres.
Inspiré par des figures majeures du surréalisme comme Salvador Dalí et René Magritte, Renda représente souvent la forme humaine entremêlée à des éléments naturels illusoires. Il combine des techniques classiques de peinture à l’huile avec des médiums modernes, comme la peinture en spray, offrant ainsi une fusion unique entre tradition et innovation. Certaines de ses œuvres sont transposées en fresques murales de grande envergure, ancrant son art dans son inspiration première : le monde extérieur.
Diplômé d’un Bachelor of Fine Arts spécialisé en peinture à l’huile de l’American Academy of Art, Renda est représenté par la Vertical Gallery de Chicago. Il a participé à de nombreuses expositions collectives à l’échelle nationale et internationale, créé des fresques murales publiques, et vu son travail publié dans divers magazines et blogs.
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Joseph Renda Jr. (b.1995) is a Chicago-based artist whose paintings capture the inherent connection humans have with the natural world. His work is highly realistic, bringing detailed depictions to life by juxtaposing them alongside surrealistic imagery. He urges his audience to surrender to nature’s “pull” and connect with their roots while viewing his paintings.
Inspired by leaders in surrealism including Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte, Renda often depicts the human form interwoven with illusive natural elements. His use of classical oil painting methods combined with modern mediums, such as spray paint, provide his work with a distinct combination of old and new artistic techniques. Some of his pieces are transferred to large scale murals, placing his work alongside its most significant inspiration—the outside world.
Renda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in oil painting from the American Academy of Art. He is represented by Chicago’s Vertical Gallery, curated and shown in numerous group exhibitions both national and internationally, created public murals, and has had his work published in various magazines and blogs.