https://www.alexspragens.com/pagecv daily 0.75 2025-12-20 https://www.alexspragens.com/new-page daily 0.75 2020-11-30 https://www.alexspragens.com/about daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/7560e39a-f9ed-463e-bdbf-f099ab70d2a0/DJI_20260324183108_0071_D.JPG Bio/Statement - artist statement Alex Spragens (b. 1997, Kentucky) is a Chicago-based painter working primarily in figurative oil painting. His practice moves between naturalistic observation and expressive distortion, using layered surfaces and painterly gesture to explore psychological interiority within contemporary life. Drawing from everyday encounters in Chicago, Spragens constructs open-ended scenes shaped by recurring motifs such as masks, animals, and figures caught in moments of tension or quiet reflection. In recent work, he has become increasingly interested in painting fleeting sensations, states of unease, anticipation, relief, or tenderness that resist clear language. Rather than illustrating events, his paintings attempt to hold these emotional atmospheres through gesture, color, and surface. The work considers how personal experience is shaped by broader social and political conditions while leaving space for ambiguity and sustained looking. bio Alex Spragens was born and raised in the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Kentucky. Drawing was an early fascination, and his interest in art was encouraged from a young age by both family and teachers. He attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky on a Dramatic Arts scholarship before shifting his focus to studio art after studying with visiting artist Ty Wilkinson. At Centre, Spragens studied drawing and oil painting under Professor Sheldon Tapley and graduated with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Art History. In 2020, Spragens presented his first solo exhibition, Moon Women: Reflections from Vietnam, at Centre College’s Aegon Gallery. Following graduation, he lived in Philadelphia, where he taught art in the Philadelphia School District and at the Philadelphia Museum of Art while exhibiting work locally. He later spent two years in Athens, Ohio, remaining active in the local arts community. Spragens now lives and works in Chicago, with a studio in Rogers Park. He is deeply inspired by the city’s geography, architecture, and cultural life. Moving through Chicago shapes his observations and fuels his studio practice, and he is committed to developing his work within the city long term. https://www.alexspragens.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-07-16 https://www.alexspragens.com/works daily 1.0 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/fbab9042-b695-40c8-a69d-e362d0b38879/Robert+%28unfinished%29.JPG Selected Works Robert (Unfinished), 2024. Oil on canvas. 36x48" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/7475191c-27fc-44f5-9424-7e1e8336836a/Re-Shot+-+Making+Plans+For+Nigel.jpg Selected Works Making Plans For Nigel, 2023. Oil on canvas. 18x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/ee63216a-68a4-4136-b6bb-480d4c3a1a8b/Swing+It%21.JPG Selected Works Swing It!, 2022. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/b8662892-3acc-45d9-b983-166ac7a745cf/Yani+On+The+Rock.JPEG Selected Works Yani On The Rock, 2021. Oil on panel. 8x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/bad825a2-5298-4b6d-80cd-50895b244611/Lunar+New+Ya.jpg Selected Works Lunar New Ya, 2020. Oil on panel. 24x30" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/39fa9368-86d8-4f17-8a42-12d3845012a0/Rainy+Day+Staying+Dry.jpg Selected Works Rainy Day, Staying Dry, 2019. Oil on panel. 20x23.5" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/c9243a19-f1c0-4e01-9f14-ec8ca424ed81/Immovable+-+alt+option+exaclty+4x5.jpg Selected Works Immovable, 2025. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/8536fc3b-2ada-4062-b458-b06cc54d764f/Passage+Final_.jpg Selected Works Passage, 2025. Oil on canvas. 18x36" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/8299e4d1-f3cd-48ab-93af-1571f246e698/Nothing+In+Between.jpg Selected Works Nothing In Between, 2026. Oil and oil stick on canvas. 24x36" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/e1fa6536-e7fe-48c5-9548-8bec7f84e1af/Re-Shot+-+Roll+Call.jpg Selected Works Roll Call, 2024. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/07ab7087-8280-4337-b4eb-248aa9143e06/Behind+The+Scenes.JPG Selected Works Behind The Scenes, 2023. Oil on canvas. 18x36" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/e828bbed-1acb-4b9d-afab-a028f0ee17b0/Plasbif%21.jpg Selected Works Plasbif!, 2022. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/726236c6-d375-4ca0-8fc0-13001833fd3f/Self-Portrait%2C+Sevilla.JPEG Selected Works Self Portrait, Sevilla, 2021. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/7093ff19-7aef-42de-81e9-af680dfe2e54/Self-Portrait+with+Guston+Cig.jpg Selected Works Self-Portrait With Guston Cig, 2020. Oil on canvas. 22x28" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/c038f67d-b64d-40b5-8122-12b88cb69c05/Laceleaf+and+Window.jpg Selected Works Laceleaf And Blinds, 2019. Oil on canvas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/03e35618-71d4-4176-9bd0-f3161661d8f6/Eye+Twitch.jpg Selected Works Eye Twitch, 2025. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/c682b745-cd77-41bd-8fe0-dbd01e9309bc/Passage+%28Charcoal+Study%29.jpg Selected Works Study for "Passage", 2025. Charcoal on paper. 18x36" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/10374b21-ccc8-4616-b3ed-d45b491f00d5/Winter+Love.jpg Selected Works Winter Love, 2026. Oil and oil stick on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/89e62ac6-1150-4279-93a5-48e03a42bd90/Hanging+Over+Study+2.JPG Selected Works Hanging Over 2, 2024. Oil on panel. 8x10" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/a405946d-2534-4882-939d-94b056a1362a/Self-Portrait+in+Green.JPG Selected Works Self-Portrait In Green, 2023. Oil on canvas. 12x16" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/ad29d9b4-b37f-4383-af75-71e48147737a/Untitled+%28Canvas+Rip%29.JPG Selected Works Untitled (Canvas Rip), 2022. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/2ad047f1-5239-4fb9-bcbb-bf1e26b10fcc/Self-Portrait%2C+Gran+Canaria.jpg Selected Works Self-Portrait, Gran Canaria, 2021. Oil on canvas. 46x55cm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/ca20e6c6-b7b4-4af7-a623-50fbf7c4d047/Allen+with+Modigliani.jpg Selected Works Allen With Modigliani, 2019. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/db61663f-8a96-4e99-80b1-5152a744b1df/Chinatown+Sunset.jpg Selected Works Chinatown Sunset, 2020. Oil on canvas. 24x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/9520db39-6902-4736-8f8b-c06289322ea7/Under+The+White+Horses.jpg Selected Works Under The White Horses, 2025. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/2050c244-852f-41e8-bef3-c63447b67185/Snot+Snail.jpg Selected Works Snot Snail, 2026. Oil and oil stick on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/3ffd30ad-8adb-47cd-a33d-16fbf6f10802/Wen+Jun%27s+Buddha.JPG Selected Works Wen Jun's Buddha, 2024. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/a4558931-d275-4462-991b-d9d3f65d1da9/Skittles+Sleeping+In+Green.JPG Selected Works Skittles Sleeping In Green, 2023. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/2275763d-dd74-4bea-93b7-224e8230ea1d/1200+Point+Breeze.jpg Selected Works 1200 Point Breeze, 2022. Oil on panel, 8x10" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/946c85c2-f190-40a9-9a75-94c94ea82cc7/Lavender+Bath+Bomb.jpg Selected Works Lavender Bath Bomb, 2021. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 8x10" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/3d2854cf-e83b-4982-9f4a-24888a97edde/Nha+Trang+Beach%2C+2019.jpg Selected Works Nha Trang Beach, 2019. Oil on canvas panel. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/95b2bee2-6f69-4d79-b024-a8b47412af6a/Noon+til+Dusk.jpg Selected Works Noon To Dusk, 2020. Oil on canvas. 22x28" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/75f70350-1199-41f2-887e-1529ee01dd4e/King+of+the+Hill.jpg Selected Works King Of The Hill, 2025. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 5x5" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/7e36c156-ba54-44ff-8201-f9218c38a423/Three+Bulls.jpg Selected Works Three Bulls, 2026. Oil and oil stick on canvas. 36x48" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/2e82011e-af05-45be-810d-3eaa17fdd6c8/Lao+Liu%27s+Majiang.JPG Selected Works Lao Liu's Majiang, 2024. Oil on linen. 6x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/c25eed6b-e63f-4e14-a9a7-0822c723e6fb/Morning+Mother+and+Child.JPG Selected Works Morning Mother And Child, 2023. Oil on linen. 6x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/e0c294a8-422f-4aee-9351-34b6c3709e09/Perhaps+You+Know.JPEG Selected Works Perhaps You Know, 2022. Oil on canvas. 18x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/8c5114e7-081b-4627-8bcb-9d24e0fd4088/Monte+Constantino%2C+Morning.jpg Selected Works Monte Constantino, Morning, 2021. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 5x7" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/2071b81a-e40e-4837-a088-e46be5223a81/Self+Portrait+2019.jpg Selected Works Self-Portrait, 2019. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/10180b7a-3e56-46d7-a693-b8ba6eae2483/The+Coil-Builder.jpg Selected Works The Coil-Builder, 2020. Oil on canvas. 24x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/1df4dfa1-1af3-4fc6-ad0f-94eaac31178a/Horse+Profile.jpg Selected Works Horse Profile, 2025. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 5x5" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/fe4c0d19-f609-474c-9183-0b2c531cf048/Biang+Biang+Mian.JPG Selected Works Biang Biang Man, 2024. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/055f88c9-acb7-452c-95db-3d26d25df272/Hocking+River+Trail.JPG Selected Works Hocking River Escape, 2023. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/de858de6-f6c8-476e-8d66-6027bab1bdb0/Self-Portrait+with+Duck+Lips%2C+January+2022.JPEG Selected Works Self-Portrait January 2022. Oil on panel. 8x10" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/80219ae3-1eb8-4839-94eb-10dec3cef570/Monte+Constantino%2C+Midday.jpg Selected Works Monte Constantino, Midday, 2021. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 5x7" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/d2f3fd2d-695a-4fc7-945e-bcb039033c04/Self+Portrait+with+Xmas+Cactus.jpg Selected Works Self-Portrait With Xmas Cactus, 2019. Oil on muslin-lined panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/82de4772-b42f-48de-ab96-83a6541909aa/Tell+Me+I%E2%80%99m+Pretty+%28Aloe+Mask%29.jpg Selected Works Tell Me I'm Pretty (Aloe Mask), 2020. Oil on canvas. 12x16" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/fe494415-f4ce-418c-bbd2-27cf77b6bfba/Evil+Skull+on+Cloth+Crop+2.jpg Selected Works https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/da0c2e38-109a-441d-bb79-468d09619517/Gu+Shu+Shu%27s+Majiang.JPG Selected Works Gu Shu Shu's Majiang, 2024. Oil on linen. 6x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/adaf96cd-1ebf-4ccf-bc44-7b2fa4cc76bf/Sunset+Self+Portrait+Study.JPG Selected Works Sunset Self-Portrait, 2022. Oil on panel. 8x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/1c127ddc-81de-428a-800e-c928148ca195/Monte+Constantino%2C+Night.jpg Selected Works Monte Constantino, Night, 2021. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 5x7" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/76fa83a5-8255-4af2-8636-2d6d15093e3f/Wissahickon+Creek%2C+2020.jpg Selected Works Wissahickon Creek, 2020. Oil on Arches Oil Paper. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/618b4855-22a8-4568-a5e4-a01ac99fbd33/Second+Coming.jpg Selected Works Second Coming, 2025. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/0b6b4684-1ebb-40f9-8efb-158643c32a7f/The+Wrestlers+From+Behind.JPEG Selected Works Uffizi Wrestlers, 2022. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/b1baceaa-bdbf-43db-b021-d4b2ff2a9443/Street+Scene%2C+Sevilla.jpg Selected Works Street Scene, Sevilla, 2021. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/607db0e7-43ee-4f64-9b3b-64c5970f211a/Hot+Summer+Porch+Arch%2C+Hoi+An.jpg Selected Works Hot Summer Porch Arch, Hoi An, 2020. Oil on panel. 22x28" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/a52b90dc-7278-4153-bf81-0f192d04384f/Bull+%28Red%29.jpg Selected Works Red Bull, 2025. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/c733b4d6-c511-46e1-a44d-6930dcce933e/The+Kitchen+at+1220.PNG Selected Works The Kitchen @ 1220, 2022. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/bc08aadb-3de0-4836-b815-d878619843da/Booster+Shot+Couch+Lock.JPEG Selected Works Booster Shot Couch Lock, 2021. Oil on panel. 5x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/03f0cc07-c161-459b-adde-4551195d50b8/In+the+Shadow+of+the+Japanese+Bridge%2C+Hoi+An.jpg Selected Works In The Shadow Of The Japanese Bridge, Hoi An, 2020. Oil on canvas. 24x36" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/5dd70e7a-03b6-4267-a257-94d0fb94e043/20250310_010952585_iOS.jpg Selected Works Destination Wedding, 2025. Pastels and gouache on Arches watercolor paper. 17x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/c2a09b61-c761-43b6-b6ad-8000828360c7/Got+%27Til+It%27s+Gone.jpg Selected Works Got 'til It's Gone, 2022. Oil on panel. 6x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/746edc27-bbaf-4160-a775-b5e9af116a35/Meg%E2%80%99s+Birthday.jpg Selected Works Poses and Plants, 2021. Oil on panel. 8x8" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/a84cac22-a650-48ed-bac1-6ed13cffc78f/Mt.+Fanispan+Under+the+Clouds%2C+Sapa.jpg Selected Works Mt. Fanzipan Under The Clouds, Sapa. Oil on panel. 24x32" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/efbd80cb-8bf6-479f-b328-c9856f632b7f/IMG_9897.jpg Selected Works My Bride, 2025. Pastels and gouache on Arches watercolor paper. 22x30" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/22ec4024-7623-448f-81cd-fe4d8037562c/I+Love+You+2day+4ever.JPG Selected Works I LOVE YOU 2DAY 4EVER, 2022. Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard. 6x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/6c7d73ca-e91c-4cef-a9c6-40e40add690f/Danny+Boy.jpg Selected Works Danny Boy, 2021. Oil on Arches Oil Paper. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/23c8151a-0921-4d07-af95-4bcedd805937/Wedding+Sunset%2C+Phong+Nha.jpg Selected Works Wedding Sunset, Phong Nha, 2020. Oil on panel. 18x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/a3a99b88-b40f-4af7-b3ed-f42d65061940/20241228_220334191_iOS.jpg Selected Works Self-Portrait At 27, 2025. Charcoal on Arches watercolor paper. 22x30" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/a71ee243-38a2-48c1-b2a4-d87d29ef8f3f/Bridges+Over+The+Schuylkill.JPG Selected Works Bridges Over The Schuylkill, 2022. Oil on canvas. 9x12" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/8b9e75bc-3680-4398-bba2-d16659a97f5e/Elephant+Ears+Above+Ma+Da+Lake%2C+Phong+Nha.jpg Selected Works Elephant Ears Above Ma Da Lake, Phong Nha, 2020. Oil on panel. 17x25" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/953eee92-a5b9-4e42-8ee4-1e7fa5bcdf3e/Lake+Michigan+Sunset.jpg Selected Works Lake Michigan Sunset, 2025. Oil on canvas. 18x24" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/96085c69-c00e-4fb5-873c-c0e6b66637f1/South+Philly+Nor%27Easter.jpg Selected Works South Philly Nor'Easter, 2022. Oil on panel. 8x10" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/8cf3c5bd-9406-4a7b-9a59-7a2795c51ede/Untitled+%28I+Miss+Shifu%29.JPG Selected Works I Miss Shifu, 2020. Oil on panel. 12x18" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/f2ec3aec-0352-4e6b-86cc-6136b4e26358/Flower+Yani.jpg Selected Works Flower Yani, 2020. Oil on canvas. 16x20" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec7460ebcf1e415901c0213/69ef3a7a-7fbb-4044-aebf-b017b61bf537/Hanging+Spout.jpg Selected Works Hanging Spout, 2020. Oil on panel. 18x24"