Artist Interviews 2024

Dean Rosenweig  
By Johnny Otto



What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of being an artist?

I think people romanticize an image of an artist brimming with inspiration, effortlessly producing collections of work with skill and talent.  In reality, the process of creating art is messy, chaotic, and frustrating.  I frequently grapple with self-doubt and failure on the way to arriving at a work I feel satisfied with.  I'm drawn to a style that favors innocence and self-expression over technique. It's funny that my process to achieve that is actually deceptively complex and laborious. Capturing the spontaneity and innocence of a childlike style is surprisingly a meticulous process of refinement which I struggle with and that struggle itself is shared and exposed within the layers in the art.  In my experience, achieving a sense of naivety and playfulness on canvas requires a total rebellion against technical skill and craftsmanship, and everyone knows rebellion is fun



How do you push yourself out of your comfort zone creatively?

I experiment with different mediums, I try to explore unfamiliar territory in an attempt to break free from my personal established patterns. I seek feedback from others and embrace defeat as a natural part of the creative process, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than obstacles. I try to push myself to stretch beyond what feels safe or familiar. By continually pushing my own personal creative boundaries and by embracing new experiences, I hope to ensure that my art is constantly evolving.



What is your background? How did you get started and why?

I grew up in Philly surrounded by art in my house. My father’s pencil drawings were everywhere and I was fascinated by them. I met a local artist named Flow whose work I really admired. He was heavily influenced by Warhol and Basquait and as a result I began exploring their work. I was living in a warehouse in Queen Village when I first saw Julian Schnabel’s film “Basquait”. The next day I went out and got some canvas and paint and I haven’t stopped since.




What do you hope your legacy as an artist will be?

It’s not something I think about, but it would be nice to leave behind a body of work that reflects my personal perspective and hopefully resonates with others on some level. The idea of my work influencing a kid in the future to create art is nice.



Can you tell us about any collaborations you've done with other artists or creatives or ones you hope to have?

I’ve lived in many places in different parts of the world and have met and worked alongside countless artists along the way. My time painting with John Stango and Sticky Shaw stands out the most. 



How do you think the art world has changed since you first started creating?

I’ve been creating art for over 20 years. In that time the art world has changed quite a bit. It’s constantly evolving. It’s become more interconnected, diverse, and inclusive, with artists from around the world gaining visibility and recognition. Traditional models of buying and selling art have been disrupted by online marketplaces and blockchain technology, reshaping the dynamics of the art market. Technology has revolutionized how art is made, shared, and experienced, with digital tools and online platforms offering new avenues for creation and exhibition. When I was living in Berlin I went to many vernissages. They were some of the best and most inspirational parties I’ve ever been to. 




Does music influence your work?

Yes. I never paint in silence. Most of my friends make music and when I miss them I'll play their music and like magic all the nice memories with them come flooding back 



What is coming up for you in the future?

I’m working on showing in Amsterdam and Los Angeles soon. I’ve been focused on a series that I’m really enjoying-  it's called “Who’s a good boy?”