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international painting annual 5 exhibition-in-print
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Ivan Fortushniak
Indiana, Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

ivanjf@iup.edu

 




detail image

statement


My paintings are surreal expressions of peace in suffering from a Christian perspective through images of WWII and 19th century American painting. This is a result of faith and study in Bible doctrine as well as the research of historical events of the Second World War. Part of this research comes from the images of Eric Hammelís book Pacific Warriors and Sir Jeremy Isaacsí award winning 1973 television series, World at War which displays in full detail the social, political, religious and moral implications of one of the worst wars in recorded history.

The footage and images from these resources have partially driven the overall aesthetic of these paintings. WWII photographs are adhered onto hardboard using either an acrylic gel medium or Citra Solv transfer technique conveying a sense of time, memory and history; an inherent trait in photography. In addition, reproductions from 19th century American painters such as Winslow Homer are collaged onto the surfaces while introducing a sense of peace and steadfastness in contrast to the acts or remains of war. These are integrated through traditional painting techniques including dry-brushing and glazing with oils. The combined processes are inspired by the animation techniques used in rotoscoping in an attempt to instill photography with the tactile and malleable characteristics of painting.

Matthew 24:6-8 states, "6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." ESV

The historical writings of the Bible specifically state that there will be expected indications of Jesus' return. I believe that world wars are a part of it and occasionally my paintings ponder this from varying millennial positions while conveying the peace and hope that God promises for the Christian. Through a hybrid painting approach with the use of WWII and 19th century American painting imagery, I am able to communicate this expression of my faith.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18 ESV

 

 

 

bio

born: 1972, Corpus Christi, Texas

 

education

University of Cincinnati, MFA, 2000
Kendall College of Art & Design, BFA, 1998

 

selected awards/honors

Director's Award, Halpert Biennial, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 2009
1st Place Award, Purchase Award, Eastern Kentucky University, Chautaqua Collection, 2009
Recent Graduate Achievement Award, Kendall College of Art and Design Alumni Association, 2005
New Faculty Research Grant, University of Kansas, 2004

 

selected publications

Horizons. Cincinnati, Ohio: Manifest Press, 2012
Riechard, William. "Sin Eater". Nashville, Tennessee: Mid-list Press 2010 (cover art)
Terra Firma. Cincinnati, Ohio: Manifest Press, 2008

 

selected solo or two-person exhibits

In Christ Alone,Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Ashville, North Carolina, 2014
Looking Upward, Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio, 2010
Out of the Pit, Rogue Buddha Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2009
Evolutionary Effects, Salina Art Center, Salina, Kansas, 2005

 

selected group shows

States in Between, Arthur M. Berger Art Gallery, Bronx, New York, 2011
Halpert Biennial, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Ashville, North Carolina, 2009
Highways and Byways: American Road Culture,Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, Auburn, New York, 2008
Toxic Landscapes, National Library, Revolution Square, Havana, Cuba, 2002

 

 

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