Overview

Paul Sattler’s imaginative paintings and drawings feature multiple characters engaged in an ambiguous narrative which plays out through theatrical scenes. Drawing upon color theory and surrealism for inspiration, his works encourage questioning of one’s own reality. Sattler received his MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington and BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago.  Influenced by political sattire, folklore, and societal dynamics, Sattler often reimagines imagery from mid-century comics or historical paintings through loose brushwork and vivid hues. 

 

“The functions of my animals are many: beasts of burden, victims of ridicule, fantastical visions, mythical beings, and stand-ins for human emotions, predicaments, and phobias. While striving to avoid the moralizing lessons of traditional fables, many of the narratives are personalized imagery inspired by a variety of literary sources including Grimm Brothers tales, ETA Hoffmann and the vast legacy of children’s literature.  But primary roots of inspiration reveal themselves when I am not looking for them – such as when I feel a charge coming from the presence of an animal in works of adult literature such as Hermann Hesse, Nelson Algren, James Joyce, Balzac, Poe, among others.” — Paul Sattler

Works
  • Paul Sattler, After Wtewael's "Battle of the Gods" (1608)
    After Wtewael's "Battle of the Gods" (1608)
  • Paul Sattler, Aftermath...Worms
    Aftermath...Worms
  • Paul Sattler, Aftermath: Haze
    Aftermath: Haze
  • Paul Sattler, Aftermath: Haze
    Aftermath: Haze
  • Paul Sattler, Blue Burst
    Blue Burst
  • Paul Sattler, Caught
    Caught
  • Paul Sattler, City Gust
    City Gust
  • Paul Sattler, Event of a Lifetime
    Event of a Lifetime
  • Paul Sattler, Four Disgracers (after Goltzius)
    Four Disgracers (after Goltzius)
  • Paul Sattler, Gust
    Gust
  • Paul Sattler, Horde
    Horde
  • Paul Sattler, Journey
    Journey
  • Paul Sattler, Red/Green/Amber Charivari
    Red/Green/Amber Charivari
  • Paul Sattler, Remedy with Onlookers
    Remedy with Onlookers
  • Paul Sattler, Reservoir
    Reservoir
  • Paul Sattler, Room
    Room
  • Paul Sattler, Study #1 for Tulpa
    Study #1 for Tulpa
  • Paul Sattler, Study #2 for Tulpa
    Study #2 for Tulpa
  • Paul Sattler, The Proof will be my Body
    The Proof will be my Body
  • Paul Sattler, Things are in the Saddle...
    Things are in the Saddle...
  • Paul Sattler, Things are in the Saddle... Sepia Study
    Things are in the Saddle... Sepia Study
  • Paul Sattler, Things are in the Saddle... Study
    Things are in the Saddle... Study
  • Paul Sattler, Three Snakes
    Three Snakes
  • Paul Sattler, Tulpa
    Tulpa
  • Paul Sattler, The Magic Skin
    The Magic Skin
Exhibitions
Blog