Biography
Robert Gilsdorf, born in Swanton, Ohio, has recently graduated from the University of Toledo earning his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts with a minor in Art History. His concentration is in 2D studies with a focus in painting and printmaking. Robert, inspired from the masterpieces of the Renaissance, is interested in the formal dialogue that the body has with its environment. He studies the compositional and anatomical awareness of this era and implements this knowledge into contemporary, genre-based situations. In doing so, he brings awareness to underlying sociological questions.
“Everything in our world is susceptible to change, humans being no exception. We are brought into this world with no preconceived thoughts, but are later shaped and continuously affected by our environment. These interactions include the natural world, superficial space, human engagement, and one's own genes. By borrowing the techniques and pictorial devices from art history, the undeniable connection between the past and present becomes evident. My work explores the process of elevating the mundane to the sublime, and how this relation contributes to the interpretation of the human psyche.” - Robert Gilsdorf
Exhibitions
05/2024 - Animals of the Planet, Gallerium, International Smart Online Exhibition
08/2023 - Emerging Artist, Sacred Waters, Lakewood, OH
07/2022 - Secor Summer Pop-Up, Secor Building, Toledo, OH
05/2022 - Sharply Dressed Man, Dab Art Co., Los Angeles, CA
05/2022 - Perceive You, Shoebox Arts Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
08/2021 - ART IN THE TIME OF CORONA: A Global Art Project 2020-2023, Dab Art Co.
02/2021 - New Edition: A Printmaking Exhibition, Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis, IN
05/2020 - BFA Thesis Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, OH
03/2020 - Juried Student Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, OH
12/2019 - Contemporary Art and Studio Theory Exhibition, Secor Building, Toledo, OH
03/2019 - Juried Student Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, OH
10/2018 - Swanton Fine Art Exhibition, Valleywood Golf Club, Swanton, OH
08/2018 - Life Drawing Exhibition, Carlson Library, Toledo, OH
03/2018 - Juried Student Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, OH
01/2018 - Billboard Exhibition, Toledo, OH
Awards
01/2023 - Toledo Lucas County Rescue Plan Grant, Toledo, Ohio
03/2019 - West Sinclair Walbridge Scholarship, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
03/2019 - Matthew K. Morgan Scholarship, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
03/2019 - 2nd Place jury selection, Juried Student Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, Ohio
03/2019 - Director’s Award, Juried Student Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, Ohio
03/2019 - Purchase Award, Juried Student Exhibition, CVA Gallery, Toledo, Ohio
03/2018 - West Sinclair Walbridge Scholarship, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio