Rosenman, Roberto

Roberto Rosenman was born in Venezuela in 1975, and moved to Canada at an early age. He studied drawing and painting at The Ontario College of Art and Design, and classical painting techniques at the Grand Central Academy in New York City. Rosenman then received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, Honours, at York University and went on to study graphic design at George Brown College.

Roberto Rosenman switches between still life and portraiture, always incorporating strong symbolism and narrative in his work. He describes his work as symbolist still life. In the traditions of Vanitas and Trompe L’Oeil painting, he uses objects to describe the intricacies of human relationships and the ‘knots’ that people create within them. Like in the grain of wood, these knots are imperfections that emerge and disturb the normalcy of a relationship. The technical aspect of realism is inextricably linked to his choice of subject matter. By painting everyday objects, not normally worthy of much regard in his highly realistic manner, he hopes to force the viewer to imbue these otherwise mundane objects with a sense of importance.

Rosenman's work has been exhibited in Canada and the United States. He currently lives in Toronto where he teaches Graphic Design at George Brown College and Humber College.