ROBERT ROTH

American

b. 1965, NY

I am interested in going beyond our physical surroundings, seeking to capture that inherent emotion of inner peace, that unique “space between” reality, abstraction, and mystery.

- RR

Robert Roth's Sky Field paintings embody a synthesis of early Romanticism and the dynamic energy of Abstract Expressionism, inviting viewers to engage with the interplay of light and emotion. His fluid gestural brushstrokes, strike a balance between reality and abstraction. Each piece serves as a conduit for evoking tranquility and introspection, challenging the observer to contemplate the deeper atmospheric connections within the work. The dynamic movement present in Roth's paintings mirrors the rhythms of nature, with dramatic cloud formations and expansive horizons that creates a dialogue of emotions, ranging from drama to serenity, calm, and bliss. Roth also explores the classical themes of still-life, geometric structure, and the figure. His eclectic collage approach echoes a flattened Cubist perspective, combining layers of paint, oil-stick, and drawing, which encapsulates a rich cultural expression and dreamlike sensibility.

Roth grew up in the historic whaling town of Cold Spring Harbor, NY, where the open vistas and estuaries of the eastern shores profoundly influenced his artistic sensibilities. This environment fostered a deep connection to landscape that resonates throughout his work. As a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Roth studied painting under Thomas Sgouros and Richard Merkin. During his time at RISD, he developed a celebrated practice of drawing, which he continues today.

Roth's work is held in both public and private collections, with notable patrons including musician Taylor Swift, The Grammy Awards, Columbia University, The Ritz Carlton, and The New Yorker. Exhibitions across the U.S. include New York City’s American Collage Exhibition, where his paintings were shown alongside Edward Hopper, Frank Stella and Richard Diebenkorn. Roth has received recognition from The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Heckscher Museum of Art, and the National Endowment for the Arts. His international reach includes collections in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, and South Korea.

Robert and his wife, artist Cheryl (RISD Alumni) reside and work in their 1850’s farmhouse and studio barn in Northeast Ohio, spending part of each summer on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.