Photorealist Paintings by Rod Penner
At The Tampa Museum of Art: December 7, 2023 – November 2, 2024
Where Paintings & Realities Meet
Rod Penner, the talented realist painter, offers an intimate look into the forgotten landscapes of rural America in his latest exhibition, “The Last Picture Show.” This collection of photorealist paintings by Penner, a Canadian artist now based in Texas, will be on display from December 7, 2023, to November 2, 2024. The exhibition serves as a unique window into the stark contrast between the desolation and serenity of abandoned towns in rural Texas and New Mexico.
Penner’s journey into the heart of America’s forgotten landscapes is guided by his meticulous attention to detail and a remarkable ability to capture the interplay of light and shadow. His artistic pursuit began in Vancouver, where he was born in 1965. He laid the foundation for his future work through his education at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Canada from 1982 to 1983. Later, in 1986, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from ORU in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These formative years played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision.
The artist’s exploration of the American cultural landscape has set him apart from his contemporaries. His work beautifully conveys the essence of rural America, reflecting the passage of time and the remnants of a once-prosperous past. Penner is a true outsider in the art world, and his unique journey is masterfully translated onto canvas.
Rod Penner’s artistic journey took flight with his first solo exhibition at Kauffman Galleries in Houston, Texas. Subsequently, he showcased his work in solo exhibitions at prestigious venues like O.K. Harris Works of Art in New York City and Miles McEnery Gallery in New York City. The Amarillo Museum of Art in Texas also hosted one of his solo exhibitions, further solidifying his presence in the art scene.
What sets Penner’s work apart is his remarkable talent for capturing light. His photo-informed paintings exude a warm, cinematic quality that invites viewers to take a step back in time. While the scenes he portrays may be remnants of a prosperous era, Penner’s art ensures that they remain vivid, evocative, and familiar.
“The Last Picture Show” brings together a curated selection of Rod Penner’s photorealist paintings. These pieces speak volumes about the passage of time and the quiet beauty that lingers in places forgotten by history. As you explore this exclusive exhibition, you’ll journey through the abandoned towns of rural Texas and New Mexico, guided by an artist whose vision and technique breathe life into scenes from the past.
