I make art in order to process the outside world, to make sense of our surroundings, to make comparisons, and to circumscribe aspects of society. These observations give meaning and bring enjoyment to life. My work practice is multidisciplinary, although painting is the nucleus from which most of my projects grow. Traditionally and historically significant materials and techniques are fascinating to me. However, the contemporary often finds its way into my work as I explore and exploit newer materials and techniques. The relationship of these materials within the same body of work provides commentary on the past while giving some indication as to the work’s place in time. I am continuously rotating between several unique bodies of work, each one evolving into a multifaceted point of view.
Darren Oberto was born 1978 in Ann Arbor, MI. He received a bachelor of fine art degree from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2001. Following his formal education, Darren relocated to the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. He then entered into a rewarding apprenticeship with his mentor, Christopher Molloy, who fostered a creative niche at the Alley Gallery in Evanston, where Darren is now co-owner and resident artist. His work is multidisciplinary but radiates from a nucleus of traditional painting. He is interested and concerned with all media and conceptual horizons that are defined by art, science, and the human experience. He considers himself a “maker” and has an obsession with creating that permeates every aspect of his life.
Darren Oberto
b. 1978 Ann Arbor, MI
Education
2002 BFA Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI
Selected Exhibitions:
2023
Oliva Gallery, Chicago, IL. Juxtaposed, With Jesus Monsivias. Curated by Kate Roth.
ARC Gallery, Chicago, IL. Sculpture: Motley Cruise. Curated by Bernard Williams.
Alma Art Interiors, Chicago, IL.
2021
Dragonfly Art Space, Chicago, IL. Digital Photography Group Exhibition.
Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL Evanston Made
921 Church St. Evanston, IL Pop up :Dopamine Installation
2019
1100 Florence, Evanston IL, Darren Oberto/The Light Within
Manifest, Cincinnati, OH. Packaged
Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL. Evanston Made
Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL. Truth As A Contested Concept
ARC Gallery, Chicago, IL. Emerging
2018
The Saw Room, Evanston IL, Viewfinder
The Saw Room, Evanston IL, Darren Oberto/ Out of the Blue
Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL. Evanston Made
The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park, IL. Eco-Art
Ann Arbor Art Center, Art Now/Drawing. Award best in show, Juror: Perry Kulper
2017
Standing Passengers, Chicago, IL. Darren Oberto: Event Horizon
Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL. Evanston Made
Perspective Fine Art Photography, Evanston, IL. Vicinity
2016
Vivid Art Gallery, Winnetka IL. Darren Oberto
The Saw Room, Evanston, IL. Darren Oberto// Turntable Drawings
Evanston Art Center, Evanston, IL. Evanston Made
The Saw Room, Evanston, IL. First Cut
Masur Museum of Art, Monroe,LA. 53rd Annual Juried Competition (Juror,Holly Hughes)
Todd Art Gallery, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro TN.
2015
Gallery 1501, Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines, IL
Noyes Cultural Center, Made in Evanston, Evanston, IL
2013
The Little Volcano, Chicago IL
2011
Gruen Galleries, Chicago, IL (The Art of Human Rights)
2010
Prak-sis, Chicago, IL (chaos in order)
Prak-sis, Chicago, IL (work in progress a live exhibition)
Kepco Art center, Seoul S. Korea (Prak-sis Chicago)
Chicago Center for Book and Paper Art, Columbia College (La Loteria)
2009
John Almquist Gallery, Winnetka, IL. Beautiful Beasts
Around the Coyote (spring festival curators choice)
Prak-sis, Chicago,Il (elevate)
Around the Coyote (fall festival curators choice)
2008
Around the Coyote (around the coyote select exhibit, and fall festival curators choice)
Chicago Cultural Center (benefit for the C.C.I.L.)
2006
Around the Coyote Gallery, Chicago, IL
(fall festival curators choice exhibit, multiples and miniatures exhibit)
E.P. Theatre, Chicago, IL (set of GREY)
2005
Mars Gallery, Chicago, IL (snow city arts foundation benefit)
2004
Holy Fools, Chicago, IL (rape victim advocates benefit)
2002
Grand Rapids Museum of Art, MI (summer festival)