Michael Torlen

In 2009 Torlen exhibited work in Interpretations: The Art of Transformation, Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT: Watercolor USA 2009, Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, MO; McNeese 22nd National Works on Paper, Abercrombie Gallery, McNeese State University; and Prints USA 2009, Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, MO

In 2008 two Torlen works on paper, from Sanger Fra Mor, were included in Future Tense: Reshaping the Landscape at the Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, SUNY, Purchase, NY from May 11- July 20, 2008.

In July 2008, Torlen exhibited Watercolor/Gouaches at Whitney Art Works, Portland ME, in Arc of Visibility: Betyween the Shore and the Sea, a two person show with artist Wendy Prellwitz. A review of this exhibition by Ken Greenleaf appeard in the July 11-17 issue of the Portland Phoenix.

Torlen's work can also be seen in the Lupine Gallery on Monhegan Island, ME.

In 2007 The Longest Journey, a Torlen 2006 monoprint, was purchased for the permanent collection for the Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, MO, from the national biennial competition Prints USA 2007. 

Torlen's critique class resumed in 2010. The sessions are held on fridays, February 12, March 5, April 16 and May 7. The group meets in an artist's studio in Port Chester, NY. Interested artists should contact Michael Torlen at info@michaeltorlen.com

The poet and art critic, Carl Little, included Torlen's watercolor, Moon over Monhegan Light (from Songs for My Father), 2000, in his book, Paintings of Maine, published by Down East Books, 2006.   

Torlen's recent monoprint projects are responses to the current crisis of the ocean's fisheries. The Ocean is Black (TOIB), The Angry Fisherman, and The Boat are each a series of monoprints and monotypes, combining old and new technology in multiple layers-computer editing, digital printing, and traditional printmaking methods. According to one study, commercial fishing will be finished in 2048. The Ocean is Black and the other titles are part of the ongoing visual essay Sanger Fra Mor.

Torlen has been working in Maine, during the summer months, for 25 years-the past 15 years on Monhegan Island. On Monhegan Island he paints watercolors in the open air and develops narrative works evocative of a sense of place. Maine's commercial fishing, the sea and egalitarian values inspire his work.