About

Finding the connection is key. With an unyielding supply of optimism, self-doubt, and "what ifs" rattling around in my head, I hope to engage and relate to the world around me via common themes of the human condition; letting life's triumphs and struggles inspire creative momentum and a renewed sense of direction.

...Have I told you lately that I love you?

My art is all about the process. It's like my meditation, my therapy, my Zen. My primary focus deals with the internal discovery/journey and the exploration of the dualities of life and Self. Combined, repetitive themes of fear and hope, uncertainty and freedom, and growth and decay can be found throughout my work.

BIO

Indiana native Jen Rosenthal moved to Chicago in 2000 after graduating from the Illinois Institute of Art with a degree in some sort of multimedia/digital-arts/animation discipline. After a short stint working for a "dot.bomb", she transitioned into the extremely lucrative and glamorous gaming industry where she designed slot machines until 2006. In early 2005, Jen stumbled upon the Chicago Art Department (an "intermedia" arts organization) and found that their welcoming attitude coupled with a love of interdisciplinary art making was the perfect fit to her slightly introverted facade and multiple personality art form. Currently a resident artist and fledgling Director of Development at CAD, Jen is still attempting to "figure it all out". While her interests include video remixing, the by-product of visual feedback, repetitive symbolism, and slightly out of focus photography, Jen is chipping away at her own distinct form of hyper-meticulous and intimately detailed line and thread work.

EXPERIENCE

Freelance Graphic Artist / Videographer | WWW.JENROSENTHAL.COM | 2006 - Present
Projects include graphic design, logo creation, catalogue layout, CD design and packaging, photography, shooting and editing digital video, and DVD authoring. (recent clients: Elite Casino Products, Aquariclean, 01 Projects, TimeOut Chicago, Lying Delilah, My Were They, Allà)

Resident Artist / Director of Development | CHICAGO ART DEPARTMENT (NPO) | Chicago, IL | 2005 - Present
Responsibilities include coordinating and facilitating monthly exhibitions, special events, programs, classes, and workshops, executing fund-raising campaigns, grant writing, exhibit installation, documentation and promotion, as well as overseeing all aspects of general gallery operations

Conceptual Artist - Top Box Division | WMS GAMING | Chicago, IL | 2001 - 2006
Responsible for designing and branding high-end licensed specialty slot machines. Developed 7 distinct brands and over 50 unique products from concept to completion. Worked collaboratively with Studio Producers and Game Designers, while acting as liaison between mechanical engineering teams and art departments. (notable brands: Clint Eastwood, Men In Black, Top Gun, Hollywood Squares, Monopoly, Powerball)

Media Artist | ALLEN INTERACTIONS, INC | Chicago, IL | 2000 - 2001
Created original graphics, animations, and illustrations for e-learning applications

SOLO EXIBITIONS
Artist Residency | Chicago Art Department | Chicago, IL

2009
CONTROL | Drawings/Mixed Media/Site-specific Installation

2008
RETURNING | Drawings/Mixed Media/Site-specific Installation

GROUP EXIBITIONS
Artist Residency | Chicago Art Department | Chicago, IL

2009
200 LINCOLNS | Mixed Media

2008
NIGHT OF THE LIVING ARTIST "The Dead Beats" Video Installation
38TH ANNUAL PILSEN EAST ARTIST'S OPEN HOUSE | Selected Mix Media/Digital Photography
RESIDENT ARTISTS SHOW | Selected Mix Media/Digital Photography
PHOTO PROJECTS | Digital Photography

2007
HEROES | Life-size "Your Head Here" Painted Wood Standup
VIDEO FRAMES | Video Installation
MAKE + SHOW | Selected Oil Collages
37TH ANNUAL PILSEN EAST ARTIST'S OPEN HOUSE | Selected Drawings/Digital Photography
UP, DOWN, & SIDE TO SIDE | Drawings/Site-specific Installation
HOUSE ON FIRE | Found Object Installation

2006
AUDIO/VISUAL DELIGHTS | Curated Show featuring MY WERE THEY (band) | Live Visuals/Selected Photography
36TH ANNUAL PILSEN EAST ARTIST'S OPEN HOUSE | Selected Mix Media
FINAL EXAM | Video Installation/Book/Graphic Art

2005
CAD MEETS SAIC | Video Screening - "Afterglow MK.II" Music Video
35TH ANNUAL PILSEN EAST ARTIST'S OPEN HOUSE | Selected Mix Media
CAD-TV | Video
STREET STUDIES: CHICAGO INTERSECTIONS | Mix Media

GROUP EXIBITIONS

2005
VERSION_05 | Media & Culture Festival | Chicago, IL | Selected Mix Media

AWARDS

2009
Community Arts Assistance Program Grant | Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

EDUCATION

2000
The Illinois Institute of Art | Chicago, IL | Associate in Applied Science, Multimedia Production

Jen Rosenthal

ABOUT