ISAAC GALVAN is a Mexican-American visual artist based in Chicago, known for his figurative & representational work. His artwork is a combination of traditional wet & dry-media, crafting bold & evocative art characterized by his cultural & historical roots. By preparing his own substrates, Isaac layers oil-paint, charcoal, sanguine or graphite to create textured pieces that bear the weight of visual & expressive depth. The choice of his palette is often reduced to a few earth colors that sometimes open up chromatically. Oftentimes, he will fade out of color altogether & revert to dry-media to present form monochromatically. This dynamic juxtaposition creates an ethereal air for his figures that seemingly transcend mere physical appearance. Galvan's artwork, shown in galleries, collections & public murals of Chicago, serves as a contemporary call to the past, celebrating classical techniques within the context of raw, modern narrativity.
These selected studio works aim to find a balance between figuration & abstraction, between completion & the non-finito, all while providing a visceral & thought-provoking experience for viewers. Feel free to subscribe & inquire about pricing, commissions & quarterly newsletters. Thank you for visiting & stay tuned for updates.
Isaac Galvan, 2025
CURRICULUM VITAE
Solo Exhibitions
2024
The Banquet, Angelica Kauffman Gallery, Garrett Museum of Art, Garrett, IN
2019
Dreamwork, Humboldt Park Boathouse, Chicago, IL
Selected Group Exhibitions
2025
Sculpture & Works on Paper, Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art, Chicago, IL
Portraits with Impact Exhibition, Grove Gallery, Evanston, IL
Microcosm Art Exhibition, Oak Park Arts League, Oak Park, IL
Scholarship Show, Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art, Chicago, IL
2024
Made in Chicago, Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics, Chicago, IL
Miniatures Conjure Delight, AKG at the Garrett Museum of Art, Garrett, IN
Gold Medal Show, Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art, Chicago, IL
Dawn is a Headspace, PWG at Mana Contemporary, Chicago, IL
Native Tradition, HAZ Cooperative Studios, Chicago, IL
2023
Semi-Annual Juried Exhibition, Oak Park Arts League, Oak Park, IL
Art on Track, Berwyn Public Art Initiative, Berwyn, IL
Mini Juried Exhibition, Triple R Gallery, Chicago, IL
The Monochrome Show, Fulton Street Collective, Chicago, IL
2022
National Hispanic Heritage Month, Triple R Gallery, Chicago, IL
Collections
2024
Bolingbrook Art Museum, Permanent Collection, Bolingbrook, IL
Commissions
2024
Public Art Commission, Youthful Expressions (Acrylic on exterior masonry, 90’ x 15’), commercial mural, Youth Crossroads Inc., Berwyn, IL
2023
Public Art Commission, Papalotl (Oil on exterior panel, 8’ x 4’), large-scale painting, Berwyn Public Arts Initiative, Berwyn, IL
2011
Private Art Commission, Two Americas (Oil on exterior masonry, 45’ x 20’), residential mural, Chicago, IL
Awards
2023
Annual Scholarship, The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Chicago, IL
Honorable Mention Award for Mini Juried Exhibition, Triple R Gallery, Chicago, IL
Education
2024
New York Academy of Art, Online: Figure Drawing: Concept & Perception
Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Cast Drawing
2019
Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Oil Painting: Still Life & Master Copies
2010
BA, Northeastern Illinois University
