Sandra Perlow

born 1940, American
lives and works in Chicago, IL

Biography

Chicago artist Sandra Perlow is a contemporary abstract artist whose modernist and inventive multi-media compositions recall the late works of Canadian painter Philip Guston. Sandra's paintings and drawings reflect an affinity with fragmented surfaces of accumulated layers of history like the moss covered ruins of Mexico, architecture of Angkor Wat, and the remnants of movie posters on abandoned buildings. She exploits the material potential of textile as decorative surfaces, with organic forms and wallpaper motifs concealed and revealed through veils of color as surfaces are echoed in painterly patterns and improvisatory mark-making using a combination of various mediums including acrylic, gouache or oil on top of monoprints or woodcuts. Over the last several years, her works have evolved from flat arrangements of color and shape to pictorial membranes which create a push and pull of figure and ground relationships. Sandra earned her BA and MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for painting and drawing, and received her printmaking degree from the Illinois Institute of Design. She is the recipient of several awards and has held residencies at Yaddo, the American Academy in Rome, and Chicago Artist Coalition.

Artist's Statement

“My work is based on combinations of woodcut, monoprint, collage and acrylic worked onto paper or canvas surface. The work begins with sketches that come from walks around the city. Ideas are developed from these progressive sketches. As I work on the paintings and drawings, parts of the surfaces shape are eliminated by scrapping, blotting and smearing. Selection of ideas for work comes from a continual interest in architecture and landscape. I also draw upon daily life, especially from the movement and expressions of people as they interact, which I interpret as shapes and colors in space. My method of work is important to the final piece as the subject matter. I often use tools that form distinct patterns as I work, such as putty knives, brushes, and paper towels. With these tools and the recent addition of fabric and collage materials, I've begun what I feel is an exciting new body of work."

–Sandra Perlow

Selected Awards

2014Ragdale Foundation, Lake Forest, IL
2007Drawing Workshop, Assisi, Italy
2007American Academy in Rome, Rome, Italy
2002Artigas Foundation, Galifa, Spain
2001Virginia Center For The Creative Arts, Sweet Briar, VA
1991Yadoo, New York, NY
1985Paper Press, Chicago, IL

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2012Dubhe Carreno Gallery, Chicago, IL
2011Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
2010Hindsdale Center For The Arts, Hindsdale, IL
2009Linda Warren Gallery, Chicago, IL
2008Harper College, Palatine, IL
2007Alfednia Gallery, Chicago, IL
College of Lake Country, Greyslake, IL
Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso, IN
2006Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL
2005Jean Albano Gallery, Chicago, IL
2003Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, IL
Northern Indiana Arts Association, Munster, IN
Oakton Community College, Des Plans, IL
Gallery 72, Omaha, NE

Selected Group Exhibitions

2015La Palette: The Chicago Palette, Ed Paschke Art Center, Chicago, IL
2014Sagatuck Center For The Arts, Sagatuck, MI
Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, IL
Fast Forward, Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago, IL
Permeate The Surface,
Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL
2013Moberg Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2012Chicago Artists Coalition, Chicago, IL
2011The Artist Project, New York, NY
More Is More,
Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, IL
2010Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque, IA
2007Museum of New Art, Detroit, MI
2005Abstraction, Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis, IN
Hedi Cho Gallery, New York, NY
Peoria Art Guild, Peoria, IL
2004Spaces Gallery, Denver, CO
Jean Albano Gallery, Chicago, IL
Don O'Melveny, Los Angeles , IL