SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–The Art & Design Department of South Suburban College (SSC) is pleased to present a collection of artworks by Rafael Rocha. The solo exhibition will be on display in the Dorothea Thiel Gallery from September 21 – October 16. An artist reception and lecture will be announced at a later date.

Rafael Rocha received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Northern Illinois University. He is an independent artist with a studio in Aurora, Illinois. Mr. Rocha is also a lecturer and studio instructor at SSC. His artwork is both expressive and figurative using human gesture as a basis for communication of expression. The sculptural work is constructed from common building materials and the paintings utilize traditional oil-painting techniques for portraiture. Rocha’s artworks on exhibit focus on his students, himself and associates in gritty sublimely expressive oil portraits, and the figurative sculpture using insulation foam and other industrial materials in expressive gestural life scale human forms. He is influenced by classical western art as well as contemporary events.

The Dorothea Thiel Gallery is located on the fourth floor and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed on weekends and holidays. Masks and social distancing are required on campus. The galleries are supported in part by the SSC Foundation. SSC is located at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. For more information, please email jtassin@ssc.edu or call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2316.
 
IMAGE: “Rejoice” – 65”x47” media oil on canvas from Rafael Rocha’s collection exhibiting at South Suburban College.