Robert Aaron Burleson is a multimedia artist and painter based in Columbus, Ohio
He received a BFA from The Ohio State University in 2021, and is active in the Columbus art scene, having shown in spaces such as the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and the Urban Arts Space. His practice is simple in method: Acrylic paint applied to canvas because it lends itself to the rapid production of figurative compositions. The plasticity of acrylic becomes a means to engage with our fast-evolving contemporary culture and mythos. Americana, sexuality, and spirituality emerge as ongoing points of investigation in his work. Tonal uncertainty is used to give space to the audience and allow for reflection on their own relationship with the imagery.
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Juried Exhibition - The Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center; Athens, OH
January 16 - March 29, 2026
Juried Exhibition - 934 Gallery; Columbus, OH
August 15 - September 6th 2025
Chaos Contemporary Craft grand opening- Chaos Contemporary Craft; Columbus, OH
April 2025
UNO - Carnegie Gallery, Columbus Metropolitan Library; Columbus, OH
November 2023 - January 2024
Buzzard’s Roost - ROY G BIV Gallery; Columbus, OH
April 8th - May 6th, 2022
BA/BFA Senior Exhibition (Operation Midnight Climax) - Urban Arts Space; Columbus, OH
November 30th - December 18th, 2021
OSU Undergraduate Scholarship Exhibition - Urban Arts Space; Columbus, OH
February 2019, 2020
Art Scholars Exhibition - Urban Arts Space; Columbus, OH
Awarded Best in Show
February 2019, 2020
OUAB Night at the Columbus Museum of Art Exhibition
December 2018
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
Works on consignment - Jacob Stout Gallery; Dublin, OH
April 2023 - January 2024
The Brig - Chromedge Studios; Columbus, OH
December 2022 - January 2023
Feels: Pop-Up Show - Wild Goose Creative; Columbus, OH
September 27th, 2019
Solo Exhibition - Carroll County Historical Society; Westminster, MD
May - July 2017
EDUCATION
Ohio State University - BFA, Painting and Drawing; Columbus, OH
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
2017-2021
AWARDS / GRANTS
Greater Columbus Arts Council annual grant award
August 2023
Best in Show; Arts Scholars Group Exhibition
2021, 2022