Erik R Sosa

Erik R. Sosa is quickly making a name for himself in the Chicago art world as one of the most original and innovative new artists to be painting the Midwest. Having started his painting career in 2002, Sosa has already mounted four self exhibitions, been featured in collective shows, received national recognition and has proven to be a stalwart of the non-profit community for his generosity.

Inspired by all directions of life, Sosa's work continues to be a kaleidoscope of paintings that range in size, form and style. "I never really know what I'll be painting," says Sosa. "You could say each canvas is a page in a coloring book of my life. I usually start to scribble out some lines, filling in with color and go with flow, creating till something clicks." Sosa's creations are not just paintings with lines and color, but a display of emotions, ideas, and experiences. His use of organic and geometrical shapes, bright colors, and approach to creating a unique image is inspiring. With work often compared to Kandinsky, Haring and Pollock, Sosa's diverse style allows him to mimic other great artist while bring a signature all his own.

Sosa believes that everyone has a talent and gift that needs to be tapped into. As a child, Sosa loved color. He loved color so much that it pained him to use his crayons in fear that they would break or wear away. In 2002, he over came his fear and started using color to form beautiful compositions of color. His ability to create visually stimulating images is simply the means to a greater vision, to produce a show that exhibits his work. When mounting an exhibition, Sosa sees each show as an opportunity to unite and educate people and create a unique atmosphere with his canvases as the backdrop.

Sosa has had extensive experience working in development for non-for-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area, such as the Mexican Fine Arts Museum, the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and most currently specializes in events management for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Sosa's passion for art is carried over to his passion of supporting the non-profit community organization when mounting an exhibition to showcase his new art work. In the past he has donated pieces of work to benefit such diverse organizations as Center on Halsted, Victor C. Neumann Association, Vital Bridges, Spanish Coalition for Jobs, to name just a few.

Sosa's incredible talent and vision have helped him earn the coveted VOX/Out Emerging Voices of Style + Design award this year. This highly respected industry award was created in 2001 by VOX® Vodka and Out magazine to honor openly gay and lesbian individuals whose works have come to signify style, vision and design. Most recently, Sosa’s art has been featured on ABC’s popular show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where his artwork decorated the Noyola’s family dining and living room.

Born in Mexico City, D.F, Sosa and his family moved to Chicago in 1975. He grew up in and around the Ravenswood neighborhood. Sosa, received his Bachelor of Arts in the field of Communications from the College of Wooster in Ohio in 1997. Sosa currently resides in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood.