Artist John Swartwout discusses his exhibition, Nort, on view at TMA through May 12.

Nort presents three-dimensional installations that provide a view of the “Nort” through the artist’s curiously offset lens. After years abroad in Germany and Canada, John Swartwout’s return to Wisconsin sparked a fascination with the forgotten aspects of the upper-Midwest. This inspired him to explore these shifts through his art series, Nort. Born and raised in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, John uses humor in Nort to navigate his own perceptions and prompt viewers to question theirs. The series originated as a way for him to work through ideas and feelings about how his memories of the place didn’t align with reality upon his return. With almost two decades as a practicing artist, including experiences in Britain, Germany, and Northwestern Ontario, John now resides happily in Wisconsin with his wife, Birgit, and two sons, Johnathon and Samuel.

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