John Brosio (American, b. 1967), Ex Cathedra

Oil on canvas, 2002, signed and dated at lower right, framed.

Stretcher size 40 x 80 in.; Frame dimensions 41 1/2 x 81 3/4 in.

Private Collection, Raleigh, North Carolina

We wish to thank the artist for confirming the title of this painting. It was completed, along with a few other large tornado paintings, after having spent several seasons storm chasing out of Texas.

John Brosio is an American painter renowned for his surrealist depictions of the intersection between humanity and the overwhelming forces of nature. Educated at the University of California, Davis, where he earned his BFA in 1991, Brosio studied under influential artists such as Wayne Thiebaud and Robert Arneson. His early fascination with cinema led him to intern at Industrial Light & Magic, contributing to films like Ghostbusters II and Back to the Future III. However, Brosio eventually shifted his focus to painting, channeling his cinematic sensibilities into works that juxtapose everyday suburban scenes with extraordinary phenomena like tornadoes, oversized creatures, and UFOs. His firsthand experiences storm chasing across the American Midwest have profoundly influenced his portrayal of natural disasters, imbuing his canvases with a sense of authenticity and urgency.
Brosio's paintings are characterized by their exploration of themes such as mortality, cosmology, and the human condition, often reflecting his interest in concepts like the Holographic Principle. He describes his work as a "terrarium" that captures the simultaneous occurrence of life and impending doom, compelling viewers to confront the dualities of existence. His art has been exhibited in solo and group shows across the United States, including a notable solo exhibition at the National Academy of Sciences Museum in Washington, D.C., in 2008. In 2006, his painting Redemption was used as a poster to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars saga. Collectors of his work include figures such as J.J. Abrams, Mike Mignola, and Dave Grohl. In addition to his painting career, Brosio has contributed to arts education as a faculty member at institutions like the Laguna College of Art and Design and the Idyllwild Arts Academy.

Good estate condition.