Name: ARTMAJEUR
Brand: ARTMAJEUR
Rating: 4.9 (12664 reviews)

Key Takeaways

Fred Tomaselli is a renowned American artist known for his highly detailed paintings on wood panels.
His artwork often incorporates unorthodox materials suspended in epoxy resin.
Tomaselli's style typically involves collage, painting, and glazing, with the collages sealed in resin after gluing them down.
He has had solo exhibitions in various prestigious institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, the White Cube in London, and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
Tomaselli's artwork has been displayed internationally, including in the Berlin Biennale and the 5th Site Santa Fe Biennial, New Mexico.
His work has been featured on the cover of several albums, showcasing his unique artistic vision.

Fred Tomaselli, born in Santa Monica, California, in 1956, is an American artist renowned for his intricate paintings on wooden panels. His work often incorporates a diverse range of unconventional materials, all embedded in a dense coating of transparent epoxy resin.

Exploring the Surreal World of Tomaselli's Art

Fred Tomaselli’s artwork blends a diverse array of elements, including medicinal herbs, prescription pills, and hallucinogenic plants, alongside images extracted from books and magazines, such as flowers, birds, butterflies, and various body parts. These components are intricately woven into patterns that spread across the canvas like an organic growth or infection. Tomaselli’s use of vibrant colors is grounded in art history, with his style typically combining collage, painting, and glazing techniques. Once the collages are arranged, he seals them in resin, applying several layers of varnish for a polished finish.

“I want people to get lost in the work,” Tomaselli explains. “I want to seduce people into it and create a space where they can escape. In this sense, my work is pre-Modernist. I pour all my obsessions and passions into it, and I don't shy away from any of them. I love nature, gardening, and birdwatching, and all of these things find their way into my art. I simply try to remain true to who I am and create the kind of work I want to see. There is no radical agenda behind it.”

Tomaselli views his paintings as portals to a surreal, hallucinatory world, aiming to “seduce and transport the viewer” while exposing the very mechanisms of that allure. He incorporates symbolic and allegorical figures, as seen in works like Untitled (Expulsion) (2000), where he draws inspiration from Masaccio’s Expulsion from the Garden of Eden (1426-27), and Field Guides (2003), where he reimagines the grim reaper. His figures are depicted anatomically, with organs and veins exposed like scientific illustrations. Tomaselli’s exploration of utopia and dystopia, framed within artificial constructs yet driven by a longing for the authentic, he considers to be the central theme of his work.

Album Artwork Contributions

Fred Tomaselli’s distinctive art has graced the covers of several notable albums. He created the cover for Laura Cantrell’s third album, Humming by the Flowered Vine, released by Matador Records. His painting Gravity In Four Directions was also featured as part of the cover art for The Magnetic Fields’ album i. Tomaselli’s artwork was included in The Wilco Book, a publication by the band Wilco. Additionally, his artwork adorned the cover of Phish’s eleventh studio album, Joy, released on September 8, 2009. His art is also showcased on the CD cover of Dreams That Breathe Your Name by Elysian Fields, released in July 2004.

Notable Solo Exhibitions

Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska (2019)
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, California (2015)
University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor, Michigan (2014)
James Cohan Gallery, New York (2014)
Brooklyn Museum, New York (2010)
White Cube, London (2009)
The Rose Art Museum, Massachusetts (2005)
IMMA, Dublin (2005)
Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh (2004)
Albright-Knox Gallery of Art, Buffalo, New York (2003)
James Cohan Gallery, New York (2003)
White Cube, London (2001)
SITE Santa Fe, New Mexico (2001)
Palm Beach Institute of Contemporary Art, Florida (2001)
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York (1999)

FAQ

What is the focus of this section?

This section introduces Fred Tomaselli's detailed paintings. It highlights his unique style, blending unorthodox materials with art history. Tomaselli uses epoxy resin to create detailed images of the world and cosmos. This sets the stage for exploring his work in depth.

What will this section explore about Fred Tomaselli's rise in contemporary art?

We'll look at how Fred Tomaselli became a key figure in contemporary art. We'll cover his early life, education, and how his experiences shaped his style. This will help readers appreciate his contributions to the art world.

How will this section examine Fred Tomaselli's artistic vision?

We'll dive into Tomaselli's artistic vision. We'll explore the themes, motifs, and techniques in his work. His use of unusual materials adds to the intricate quality of his paintings, showing the vision behind his innovative style.

What will this section focus on regarding the materials used in Tomaselli's work?

We'll discuss the unique materials Tomaselli uses, like medicinal herbs and magazine cutouts. Epoxy resin plays a key role in his process. This will help readers understand what makes his art stand out.

What will this section discuss about Tomaselli's signature style?

We'll talk about Tomaselli's signature style in his detailed paintings on wood panels. We'll look at the techniques and materials he uses. This will give readers a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and process.

How will this section explore the technical mastery behind Tomaselli's artwork?

We'll examine the technical skills behind Tomaselli's work. We'll discuss his use of collage, painting, and glazing. This will highlight the skill and craftsmanship in his innovative artwork.

What will this section focus on regarding the natural elements in Tomaselli's work?

We'll explore the natural elements in Tomaselli's artwork. We'll look at the botanical themes and motifs. This will show how these elements add to the aesthetic and meaning of his work.

How will this section explore the influence of art history on Tomaselli's practice?

We'll examine how art history influences Tomaselli's work. We'll discuss the historical references and contemporary context in his artwork. This will help readers understand his artistic vision within the broader art world.

What will this section discuss about pattern and repetition in Tomaselli's style?

We'll explore the role of pattern and repetition in Tomaselli's style. We'll analyze how these elements add to the aesthetic and meaning of his work. This will reflect his artistic vision.

What will this section cover regarding Tomaselli's exhibition history and notable works?

We'll discuss Tomaselli's exhibition history and notable works. We'll look at how his artwork has been received and interpreted. This will highlight the significance of his exhibitions and impact on his career.

How will this section examine the critical reception and cultural impact of Tomaselli's work?

We'll examine the critical reception and cultural impact of Tomaselli's work. We'll discuss how his artwork has been received by critics and the public. This will show the significance of his contributions to contemporary art.

What will this section discuss about the enduring legacy of Tomaselli's artistic innovation?

We'll discuss Tomaselli's lasting impact on contemporary art. We'll explore how his work inspires and influences new artists. This will highlight the significance of his innovative approach to art-making.

Source Links

Selena Mattei | ArtMajeur Magazine

Artist portraits Fred Tomaselli American artist detailed paintings wood panels Contemporary art Contemporary artists

Discover the Highly Detailed Paintings of American Artist Fred Tomaselli