Terrence Payne | Cozy

Terrence uses the bruising physicality and aggravated playfulness of his large-scale oil pastel drawings to illustrate how newly rising anxieties might impact the world at large as we endeavor to resolve the urgency of our need for security. Payne’s archetypes wear their knit costumes as an armored veil to confront the unresolved daily traumas which crowd our collective consciousness. 

Terrence has this to say about his work:

I am mainly interested in community and how people use their relationships with one another to build on their own identity as well as to influence the behaviors of those around them. I use patterns, typography, colors, symbols, costumes, figures and animals to create archetypical portraits of specific types of individuals which, when put together in groups, portray segments of communities and their relationships with one another.  My illustrative style relies on the accessible visual language I have developed throughout my career to reach as broad an audience as possible and create lasting relationships with my work. The empathetic and often humorous allegories resulting from my creations draw on my own experiences and behaviors which I hope may open the door to self examination by my viewers. 

The work in Cozy deals with the emotional damage brought on by the ongoing pandemic, political upheavals and resulting familial discord over the past several years. So many people seem to be suffering from emotional wounds that haven't been given time to heal before they are beset by all new fears and anxieties. My intention is to create a dialogue with my audience based on shared memory & historical references to illustrate the ways in which individuals have learned to cope with this accelerated cycle of trauma in order to feel safe in their own skin.

About the Artist

Terrence resides in Minneapolis Minnesota, and has exhibited his work at galleries, universities and museums throughout the Midwest. His work can be found in private, corporate, and museum collections around the globe. Terrence’s artwork has received critical acclaim and recognition from media outlets such as Beautiful Decay, Juxtapoz, Dwell Magazine, Bust Magazine, It’s Nice That, The Jealous Curator, Boooooom, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune to name a few. In the spring of 2002 Terrence founded what was to become the longest running artists collective in Minneapolis called Rosalux Gallery. He has served as the leader of Rosalux since the beginning, helping a multitude of Minnesota artists realize their artistic ambitions and further their studio careers through their relationship with the gallery. To learn more about Terrence and his work you can visit his website at https://www.terrencepayne.com 

Cozy will be on view at Rosalux Gallery from October 8th through the 30th.  Rosalux will also be hosting a special gallery tour and talk with Terrence and special guest Danielle Krysa (AKA The Jealous Curator) on Saturday, October 15th as part of the Twin Cities Art Week celebrations.  The morning will start with an informal gallery tour with the artist along with coffee and homemade goodies followed by a discussion of all things Cozy between Danielle & Terrence at 10 AM. 

Gallery Hours

Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 PM or by appointment, masking is required. 

Image: It’s A Comfort To Know I’m Not The Only One Talking With Birds, 2022 Terrence Payne

This exhibition is proudly part of TC Arts week October 12-16, 2022. Learn More.