Joseph Renda Jr.: Larger Than Life

Vertical Gallery is very excited to present a solo show with Chicago-artist Joseph Renda Jr. Larger Than Life—his second solo show following Biophilia in 2020—incorporates surrealistic elements into highly detailed landscapes. In doing this, Renda uses nature as a guide, urging his viewers to examine their personal impact and connection to the natural world.

Inspired by Surrealism, Renda often plays with scale and interweaves the human form with the Earth in his paintings. He draws additional inspiration from spending time in nature, reflecting on his own personal relationship with the environment. Some of his pieces are transferred to large scale outdoor murals, placing his work alongside its most significant inspiration.

Renda earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in oil painting from the American Academy of Art. He has been represented by Vertical Gallery since 2017, and has curated and exhibited in numerous group shows both national and internationally. Additionally, he creates public murals, and is published in various magazines and blogs.