The Cincinnati Art Museum is delighted to introduce John Lanzador, the selected artist for the 2024 Rosenthal Education Center (REC) Artist in Residence program. Lanzador, chosen from a pool of talented Cincinnati area artists, brings a vibrant energy and unique perspective to the museum. Recently, we had the opportunity to delve into Lanzador’s creative world and learn more about his vision for this exciting residency.
Alex: Welcome, John! Share a bit about yourself with our audience.
John: Hi everyone! For me, life is all about enjoyment, and that often involves art, whether it’s exploring museums, engaging in a friendly game of pickle-ball, or simply spending quality time with my family and friends. I’m an art teacher at Maddux Elementary in Forest Hills, and my personal art practice takes place in my home studio located in North Avondale. Beyond teaching and creating, I also host “ArtHang,” a podcast where I interview fellow artists.
Alex: What makes art so essential in your life?
John: Art is truly my everything. My days are immersed in art through teaching, and my nights are dedicated to creating my own pieces. It’s a constant source of joy, challenge, and even therapy for me. I honestly can’t imagine my life without art.
Alex: If you could embody an art supply, which one would you choose?
John: That’s a fun question! I would definitely be a simple pencil. Pencils are incredibly versatile and fundamental, capable of bringing countless ideas to life. For me, every artwork begins with a pencil – it’s the one art supply I depend on most.
Alex: What motivated you to apply for this residency, and what do you hope visitors will experience through your installation?
John: I have a deep appreciation for the art museum, especially the REC space. I was looking for a way to contribute and felt the residency was the perfect opportunity to create art specifically for this engaging environment. I’ve long admired Hunt Slonem’s vibrant rabbit paintings in the Terrace Café and was inspired to develop a Cincinnati-themed, or “Cincified,” version of that concept.
Visitors can now immerse themselves in John Lanzador’s interactive and multisensory art installation, A Pig-ment of Your Imagination, in the REC until October 27, 2024. In this engaging exhibition, Lanzador reinterprets Hunt Slonem’s Bunny Wall and Joan Miró’s famous Mural for the Terrace Plaza Hotel, incorporating Cincinnati’s iconic pig symbols. The installation encourages visitors to unleash their creativity and produce artworks inspired by their own favorite things, embodying Lanzador’s vision of accessible and imaginative art experiences.
