John Riepenhoff's 'Out of Mind' Sky Paintings at COOPER COLE in Toronto
In Toronto, COOPER COLE showcases 'Out of Mind,' featuring new sky paintings by John Riepenhoff. These pieces, born from a decade of nighttime painting, represent atmospheric observations as instinctive color formations. Riepenhoff works outdoors at night in northern Wisconsin, unveiling his completed canvases only during daylight. The latest works emphasize atmospheric phenomena, illustrating drifting clouds and light pollution. The exhibition's name signifies the experience of sky-watching and the awareness of time's flow. A sculptural decoy of a great horned owl represents nocturnal perception. Born in Milwaukee in 1982, Riepenhoff co-owns The Green Gallery and is the curator for Sculpture Milwaukee. His recent solo exhibitions have taken place in Los Angeles, Tokyo, New York, and Dallas.
Key facts
- John Riepenhoff's exhibition 'Out of Mind' features new sky paintings at COOPER COLE in Toronto.
- The paintings result from a nocturnal outdoor process developed over a decade, often in northern Wisconsin.
- Works shift from celestial depictions to atmospheric systems, evoking clouds and light pollution.
- A great horned owl decoy sculpture accompanies the paintings, symbolizing nocturnal perception.
- Riepenhoff co-owns The Green Gallery in Milwaukee and curates Sculpture Milwaukee.
- He founded the Beer Endowment and The Open Fund to support artists.
- Recent solo exhibitions include Tanya Leighton, Los Angeles in 2025 and Broadway, New York in 2024.
- His work has been shown at the Whitney Museum of American Art and Milwaukee Art Museum.
Entities
Artists
- John Riepenhoff
Institutions
- COOPER COLE
- The Green Gallery
- Sculpture Milwaukee
- Beer Endowment
- The Open Fund
- Milwaukee International
- Dark Fair
- Tanya Leighton
- Misako and Rosen
- Broadway
- Various Small Fires
- Artbeat
- Center for Contemporary Art and Culture
- Night Gallery
- Green Tea Gallery
- Marlborough Gallery
- Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
- New Bedford Art Museum
- Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
- Hyde Park Art Center
- Times Art Museum
Locations
- Toronto
- Canada
- Milwaukee
- Wisconsin
- USA
- Los Angeles
- California
- Tokyo
- Japan
- New York
- Dallas
- Texas
- Tbilisi
- Georgia
- Portland
- Oregon
- Fukushima
- Beijing
- China
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- Chicago
- Illinois