Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk: Ritual

JO ELLEN VAN OUWERKERK

RITUAL February 8 - March 23, 2019

JO ELLEN VAN OUWERKERK

RITUAL February 8 - March 23, 2019 Artist Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk’s timeless icons evoke an age long ago. The women she paints are composites of people she knew personally, had once seen, or had read about. She uses her figures in provocative and dramatic poses. Her characters are seen for a single frame of their story and her vision broadens that which is considered normal. Van Ouwerkerk’s characters offer direct eye contact with their viewer to compel an interaction. Woodward Gallery presents the Ritual exhibition and simultaneous release of signed, vintage, limited edition prints after Van Ouwerkerk’s original paintings. This series is offered in small quantities, using Iris printing with archival ink on 100% Somerset Rag paper.

Van Ouwerkerk offers context, “Rituals are sacred and completely personal.

Choreographed movements, clothing (costumes), music, scent are accessories to your essence. Rituals are a prayer honoring the best of your soul.”

There is a sensual, mystical quality to her work. She reimagines early 19th century Pre- Raphaelites and carries them into the contemporary image. It is as if her women travel through time agelessly. People universally respond to Jo Ellen’s work through the subject’s eye contact. The gorgeous flow of their bodies further beckons one to join their ritual. She provokes the viewer to engage in the activity. When viewing her sirens, one follows marvelously entranced in their personal and curious situations.

Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk does not reveal the meaning of the situation she produces, though the Artist claims that because she is painting women, “you make your own stories that have to do with your own psyche.”

Enter the ritual and intermingle in her world.

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Birds Flying Backwards, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 18 x 19.75 inches; 45.7 x 50.2 cm Paper size: 22 x 24 inches; 55.88 x 50.17 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 10

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Girl in a Red Room with Black Horns, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on rag paper Image size: 20.5 x 25 inches; 52.1 x 63.5 cm Paper size: 22.5 x 27 inches; 59.59 x 68.58 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Cactus Dogs Learn to Fly, 2004 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 19.5 x 19.5 inches; 49.5 x 49.5 cm Paper size: 22.5 x 22.5 inches Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Chinese Fingernails, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 30 x 16 inches; 76.2 x 40.6 cm Paper size: 35 x 22 inches; 88.9 x 55.88 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Fox at the Opera, 2002 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 24.75 x 18 inches; 62.9 x 45.7 cm Paper Size: 30 x 23 inches; 76.2 x 58.42 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Haunted by the Girls Who Slept Here, 2007 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 28 x 15 inches; 71.1 x 38.1 cm Paper size: 30 x 23 inches; 76.2 x 58.4 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Horses Head Painting, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 26.25 x 15 inches; 66.7 x 38.1 cm Paper size 31 x 20 inches; 78.74 x 50.8 cm Signed Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Girl with a Black Mask in a Red Room, 2005 Iris print with archival ink on rag paper Image size: 21 x 21 inches; 53.3 x 53.3 cm Paper size 23 x 23 inches; 58.42 x 58.42 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP 10

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Indian Hat / Standing Dogs, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 21.5 x 18 inches; 54.6 x 45.7 cm Paper size: 25.5 x 22 inches; 64.77 x 55.88 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Leopard Girl Guarding Lizard Cemetery, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 18 x 18 inches; 45.7 x 45.7 cm Paper size: 23 x 23 inches; 58.42 x 58.42 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Levitation Hat, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 22 x 18 inches; 55.9 x 45.7 cm Paper Size 26 x 22 inches; 66.04 x 55.88 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Monkey Comb in Burning Hair, 2002 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 18 x 18 inches; 45.7 x 45.7 cm Paper size: 22 x 22 inches; 55.88 x 55.88 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Shark Fin Scenery, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 16 x 28 inches; 40.6 x 71.1 cm Paper size: 20 x 23 inches; 50.8 x 58.42 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Sorcerer’s Hat, 2001 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 18 x 19.75 inches; 47.7 x 50.2 cm Paper Size: 22 x 23.5 inches; 55.88 x 59.69 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Trance Puppet, 2002 Iris print with archival ink on Somerset 100% Rag paper Image size: 24 x 18 inches; 61 x 45.7 cm Paper Size 28 x 22 inches; 71.12 x 55.88 cm Signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP

To Inquire About this Artist, contact us at Art@woodwardgallery.net

Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk Education BFA MA MFA

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

Selected Exhibitions 2019

2018 2015

2016

2014 2013 2011 2010

2008 2007 2006 2005 2005

2005

2004

2003

2003

2002

2002

2001

1997 1995

“Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk Ritual”, Solo Exhibition and Print Release, February 8- March 23, Woodward Gallery, NYC “20in18,” Group Exhibition, February 8- March 23, Woodward Gallery, NYC Better Being Restaurant, 2 Person Exhibition, April - September, 537 Nineth Avenue, NYC “Fall Salon,” Group Exhibition, 61 Artists, 129 Works of Art, Spetember 10- October 28, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Sur-Real,” Group Exhibition, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Femalenergy 3,” Group Exhibition, May 4- June 30, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Print,” Group Exhibition, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk: Curious Sanctuary,” Woodward Gallery, NYC “BIG Paper Winter,” featuring original works by Basquiat, Calder, DeKooning, Richard Hambleton, Franz Kline, Rauschenberg, Ad Reinhardt, Warhol; Woodward Gallery, NYC “Works on Paper,” Woodward Gallery at the Park Avenue Armory, New York, NY. “Free Play,” Islip Art MUSEUM, curated by Judith Page, East Islip, NY. “Gallery Artists ‘06-’07,” Group Exhibition, Woodward Gallery, New York, NY. “Wild at Heart,” Three Person Exhibition, Liz Hernandez Gallery, Tucson, AZ. “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk: Somewhere in Time,” Solo Exhibition, May 5- June 30, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Winter Paper Seven,” Group Exhibition including works on paper by Jean Michel Basquiat, Alexander Calder, Richard Estes, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann, and others, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Vote With Your Art,” Fundraising Campaign for Win Back Respect with Geroge Soros, and General Wesley Clark, O.K. Harris Gallery, NYC “Paper Invitational VI,” Group Exhibition including works on paper by Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and others; Woodward Gallery, NYC “Museum Auction and Gala,” Hunstville MUSEUM of Art, February - March, Huntsville, AL. “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk: Sacred Rites, Editions Limited,” Solo Exhibition, November 1- December 28, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Paper Invitational V,” Group Exhibition including works on paper by Andy Warhol, Robert, Indiana, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and others; Woodward Gallery, NYC “Paper Invitational IV,” Group Exhibition including works on paper by Ellsworth Kelly, Keith Haring, Robert Rauschenberg and others; Woodward Gallery, NYC “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk: Seven Rites,” Solo Exhibition, Woodward Gallery, NYC “Femalenergy,” Group Exhibition, Woodward Gallery, NYC

1995 1995 1991 1982 1979 1976

“Aesthetic Mystic,” Group Exhibition, Woodward Gallery (GOLA), NYC “Artopia,” New York, NY. Fitchburg Art MUSEUM, Fitchburg, MA Galerie Wentzel, Cologne, Germany University of California, Berkeley, CA Pyramid Gallery, Washington, DC

Bibliography • “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk Ritual,” Exhibition, Artsy.net, February 8- March 23, 2019 • “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk Paintings,” by Bojan Zlatkov, Widewalls, October 11, 2015 • “Brush Strokes and Body Shots,” The Villager, Gay City News, Chelsea Now, Downtown Express, October 5, 2011 • Paintings featured on “Home by Novogratz,” HGTV, Hoboken Busy Bachelors, Episode HHBN-104H • “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk,” American Arts Quarterly, Spring 2011, p. 47-50, illustration.

• ArtNews, Feb 2011 issue full page color illustration • Anthony Haden-Guest, “The Art Newspaper,” illustration.

• “Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk,” juxtapoz.com, March 9, 2011 • “The Life of Women: Jo Ellen Van Ouwerkerk’s Portrayal of the Female Spirit,” www.cherrygirl.com, February 28, 2011 • “This Week: Must-See Arts in the City,” WNYC Culture, wnyc.org, January 27, 2011 • UnDo.net, 29/1/2011 issue, Feature with illustrations • ARTnews, February issue, 2011, Full color illustration p.4.

• Art and Antiques, February issue, 2011, Full color illustration p.5.

• Juxtapoz, March issue, 2011, Full color illustration • Joe Bendik, “Paper Products,” Chelsea Clinton News, January 28, 2010, p. 12.

• Juxtapoz, “Old Friends,” January 2007, p. 16.

• “Artnet Newsletter,” Featured Events section, December 15, 2006, Full color illustration and listing.

• Levi J. Long, “Gallery Owner Wild for Art,” Arizona Daily Star, September 29, 2005.

• Juxtapoz, May/June issue, 2005, Full color illustration p.43.

• ARTnews, May issue, 2005, Full color illustration p.34.

• Juxtapoz, May/June issue, 2003, Full color illustration p.53.

• The New York Times, Art & Leisure section SoHo listings, Sundays throughout May/June, 2003.

• Concrete Dreams, Critical essay by author Gerard Haggerty, regular contributor to ARTnews, 1998.

Selected Collections University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Chicago, IL. Pyramid Gallery, Washington, DC. Paige Collections, New York, NY. Air Jamaica, New York, NY. Alan Code Ltd., Los Angeles, CA. Sheri Urquardt, New York, NY. Dr. Clare McCarthy, KY. Richard and Carol Kalico, NY.