Abstraction has become the vehicle in which I explore the continual struggle to integrate the dual worlds in which we exist: the external world which is the sum of our sensory experiences, and the inner world of our subconscious and spirit. Working in a state of no mind, I build a bridge between these worlds. In drawing ideas from the ”East” I endeavor to quiet the mind and remove thought from the work process, bringing forth surprising and joyous works of play. It becomes a dance of sorts. In this sober state the ego cannot obstruct the fluency of what comes out of the creative process. It’s only in the act of surrendering to these mysterious energetic fields of consciousness where I experience and make works in the spirit of play. The intuitive gestural brushstrokes represent the visual impulse of these energetic fields, forming orchestral compositions resonating with color and movement.
I combine ancient and modern media to capture the momentary sumptuous nuances and veils of watercolor. These images act as a catalyst for the oil and acrylic paintings.
Fernando Rangel with Blue Rapture, 72” x 96” in studio.
Fernando Rangel emigrated to Queens , N.Y. from Colombia at age two with his Family. Always passionate with art and music, at 14 years old he designed and managed the set artwork for his JHS adaptation play of Grease. It was good preparation for his management and painter position for 23 years at Jeff Koons, LLC. painting studio. His talent and skill as a realistic painter was sought after by other Artists, Studios and Illustration clients like Kehinde Wiley, EIS Studio, Miramax, School of Visual Arts, En Viu Studio, and many others. Fernando has maintained a studio space for over 20 years where his personal work could flourish and evolve into his current Abstract exploration in Painting. He is a multi media artist working with traditional oil and acrylic, DSLR photography, and Adobe technology. The artist is currently looking for exhibition opportunities and is based in Queens, NY.
EDUCATION
1996-2001 Art Students League, NYC
1988-1992 BFA, School of Visual Arts, NYC
1989 Chautauqua Institution School of Art, Summer, NY
1983-1986 High School of Art and Design, Painting, NYC
GROUP SHOWS
2018 No Sanctuary, Friday Studio Gallery, Bushwick N.Y.
2017 The Dissimulation, A transformation in Abstract, E-Modern Gallerie, PA
Undefined Abstraction, William Whipple Gallery, SMSU, MN
High Line Open Studios Exhibit, Chelsea NYC
2016 High Line Open Studios Exhibit, Chelsea NYC
2012 Paintings and Photographs, SBM Gallery, NYC
2010 Team Work, Allan Nederpelt Fine Arts, NY
Latin Art Experience, Franklin 54 Gallery and Projects, NYC
Spontaneous, Space Womb Gallery, NY
COLLECTIONS
1992-2017 Works held in private collections in The United States, Colombia, and Australia
1993 Neuberger Berman
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2002- Present Senior Associate, Jeff Koons LLC., NYC
Production of oil paintings for Jeff Koons
1996-2001 Painting Manager, Jeff Koons LLC., NYC
Responsible for the production of many large scale oil paintings.
Jeff Koons : Series: Celebration, Easy Fun, and Easy-Fun Ethereal.
1992- 2018 Private sales, Paintings and Limited Edition Prints
Freelance Illustration: DH Blair and Co., Neuberger and
Berman, State Mutual Life Assurance, N.Y. Life Insurance,
Miramax, Bon Appetite, Charter Medical Corp., School of Visual Arts,
Dartmouth College, Plum Graphics, Mikaya Press
