Feature image: Roger Wardin, Mount Pink, 2019, acrylic and oil on canvas
On View: July 22, 2026 – March 14, 2027
Submitted
Rochester, MN – Born and based in Berlin, Roger Wardin received his Master of Arts from the Academy of Fine Arts, Berlin, and has exhibited throughout Germany and the Netherlands. This exhibition marks his first presentation in the United States, however, his paintings are presented in the gallery as digital reproduction prints that are mounted directly to the wall. While this may be an unusual practice in a museum setting, it addresses several unique challenges and makes it possible to present works by international artists without creating a significant carbon footprint. The original large scale paintings, full of depth and energy, are held in private collections in Minnesota and throughout Europe.
Early in Wardin’s studies he attended the Academy of Fine Arts (Städelschule) in Frankfurt, Germany, where he studied painting under Professor Jörg Immendorff who is recognized by his portrait in this exhibition. Warden is also inspired by notable German landscape painter Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840) who is known for paintings of exaggerated landscapes and contemplative silhouettes. Friedrich’s influence comes through strongly in Wardin’s mountain landscapes and Entrance series, displayed here.
Wardin’s atmospheric paintings emote a range of feelings and are a reaction to contemporary disquiet in society. The Entrance series, a nod to the popular television series, Twin Peaks, depict a shadowy figure in a wooded setting. Peter Funken states in his catalogue essay on Wardin’s work that his paintings address “the notion of mysteriousness and confront the beholder with questions, the answers to which are to be sought among the dark and speculative.”
Rochester Art Center is grateful for Wardin’s collaboration to make this exhibition possible. For more information, please visit http://rogerwardin.com. To inquire about purchasing an original painting by Roger Wardin, please email info@rogerwardin.com.
Exhibition Page:
https://www.rochesterartcenter.org/exhibition/painting-a-parallel-world
About Rochester Art Center
Rochester Art Center is a museum of contemporary art located along the Zumbro River in the heart of historic downtown Rochester, MN. Founded in 1946, the Art Center hosts an ongoing schedule of exhibitions of work by local, regional, national and international artists; dynamic educational programs for all ages; and an array of community partnerships and visitor engagement initiatives. Through world-class exhibitions and programs, the Art Center presents a welcoming, integrated and diverse experience that encourages questioning, creativity and critical thinking.
Contact
Kalianne Morrison, Advancement Director
kmorrison@rochesterartcenter.org