BODY PILE: New Works By Terrence Payne

Exhibition Dates:  October 10th - November 1st 2026

Reception: Saturday, October 10th, 6-9 PM

The drawings in Terrence Payne’s latest body of work, BODY PILE, are a direct reaction to the attacks made on our neighbors and communities since the Republican government initiated Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota over the past year.  The values, creativity, and dreams of many in our community have often been besmirched in favor of the perceived needs and grievances of those who claim entitlement due to their identities as male, Christian, and white. They wrongly believe they are born with moral assurances that grant them the right to police the thoughts and lives of anyone who does not conform to their views, inflicting as much pain and humiliation against their foes as we allow.

It appears we have reached a tipping point, however, as seen in the mutual aid efforts, civilian monitoring of unlawful ICE activities, and civil protest movements that have grown in our state as a response to the hatred and incompetence unleashed on our streets this past year. BODY PILE aims not only to document the crimes committed against our society, but also to celebrate the independence, empathy, and love exhibited by our neighbors in the face of such brutality and stupidity.  They thought the dim light of their fragile convictions would be a beacon to bring the nation to their cause, but instead it has rallied the courage and humanity in our communities who have come together to protect and care for those they would hope to harm.

Terrence Payne is an American artist from the Midwest, currently residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has exhibited his artwork in galleries, universities, and museums throughout the United States, and his work is part of private, museum, and corporate collections worldwide. Terrence's art has received critical acclaim and recognition from various publications such as Beautiful Decay, Juxtapoz, Dwell Magazine, Bust Magazine, It's Nice That, The Jealous Curator, Boooooom, and The Minneapolis Star Tribune. In 2002, Terrence founded Rosalux Gallery, the longest-running artists' collective in Minneapolis, which has helped over 80 Minnesota artists achieve their artistic ambitions and further their studio careers. Terrence has been a leader at Rosalux since its inception.

Terrence Payne's art revolves around the theme of community and how people's relationships with each other shape their identities and actions. Using playful yet sophisticated oil pastel drawings, Terrence creates archetypal portraits of various individuals that, when put together, represent different segments of communities and their relationships. He uses a visual language that is easy to understand, along with refined organic forms, patterns, text, and costumes to create a connection with his audience based on shared experiences. Terrence often unifies his work using a single pattern or other motif to identify the overall theme of the community, allowing the figures, objects, and narratives to define the individuals within it. The humorous and empathetic allegories in his creations may leave more questions than answers, but they undoubtedly offer entertaining comforts for his audience. You can learn more about Terrence and his work by visiting:https://www.terrencepayne.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrencepayneart/

Contact info for inquiries: https://www.terrencepayne.com/contact

Rosalux Gallery hours are 12-4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

The gallery is located at 315 W 48th Street in Minneapolis. Rosalux is always free and open to the public.