Bert Green Fine Art is currently presenting “Sorted Sheets,” a solo exhibition featuring the work of Indiana-based contemporary artist Tom Torluemke. While Torluemke is widely recognized for ambitious paintings that address socio-political themes, this exhibition isolates drawing as the primary generative force and “starting point” within his broader oeuvre.
The Function of the Medium
The gallery posits that drawing serves a multifaceted role in Torluemke’s practice, functioning as a meditative discipline, a testing ground for conceptual development, and a navigational tool for larger projects. “Sorted Sheets” aims to reveal the draftsmanship that underpins the artist’s production in painting, sculpture, and installation.
Curatorial Scope
The exhibition features a selection of graphite works organized into three distinct areas of the artist’s output. These categories include plein air landscape studies documenting the environment surrounding the artist’s residence; autobiographical drawings that explore personal narratives; and preparatory studies for large-scale, imaginative paintings dealing with socio-political subject matter.
Artist Profile and Institutional Context
Born in Chicago, Torluemke has maintained a practice spanning over four decades. His work is characterized by an uncompromising approach to ethical and humanistic themes, often contextualized within community settings. His professional history includes more than 150 solo and group exhibitions and 30 public art commissions throughout the Midwest.
Recent institutional attention has focused specifically on Torluemke’s works on paper. A career retrospective, Tom Torluemke: Live! On Paper, was curated by Dan Cameron at the Chicago Cultural Center. This survey was accompanied by a monograph published by SKIRA Editore, Milan, and was the subject of critical review in Artforum magazine.
Exhibition Logistics and Calendar
“Sorted Sheets” remains on view through January 17, 2026.
Upcoming Events:
- Artist Talk: Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 pm.
- Closing Reception: Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Historical Context:
The retrospective Live! On Paper covered the period from 1987 to 2024 and occurred in 2025. The Artforum review was published in October 2025.
Venue Information:
Bert Green Fine Art
8 S Michigan Ave, Suite 620
Chicago, IL 60603
Hours and Access:
Fridays 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, or by appointment Monday through Saturday.
All gallery events are free and open to the public.
