
Painter John Nazarewycz earned a B.F.A from the University of Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He showed with Larry Becker Gallery, Philadelphia, for over a decade, as well as with galleries in New York and Washington, DC. Nazarewycz’s work has been exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia; the Delaware Art Museum; and Woodmere Art Museum (Philadelphia, PA). His paintings are held in private collections throughout the country.
Photo credit: © Philippe Salomon
Painting for me is both a thanksgiving and a plea: gratitude for the act itself, together with a petition to find that hidden place where, in Samuel Beckett's words, "the magic necessity hides."
Rooted in Judeo-Christian themes such as sacrifice, redemption, and transformation, each piece holds a narrative, often one that is as much felt as understood. A narrative built on a scaffolding of geometry which has always served as my guardian against the arbitrary. It’s a structure that keeps the work grounded in intention rather than indulgence; the enforcer that helps repel meretricious distractions that threaten the integrity of the forms.
One Person Exhibitions
2025
John Nazarewycz
Incantations
Schmidt Dean Gallery, Cherry Hill, NJ
2021
John Nazarewycz
A Closer Look
Frieda Community, Philadelphia, PA
1998
Iwan Nazarewycz: New Paintings
Larry Becker Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
1991
Iwan Nazarewycz: New Paintings
Larry Becker Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
1989
Iwan Nazarewycz: New Paintings
Larry Becker Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
Group Exhibitions
2024
9th Benefit Exhibition
Bridgette Mayer Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2021
On Balance
Scotts Mill Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2015
Some New Stuff/Some New People
Schmidt Dean Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2011
Flirting With Abstraction
Woodmere Art Museum, Chestnut Hill, PA
2000
Biennial ’00
Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE
1996
New Selections: Gallery Artists
Larry Becker Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
1995
Abstract Painting
Larry Becker Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
1994
14 at 55
55 Mercer Street, New York, NY
1993
Biennial ’93
Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE
1992
Allusions/Illusions
David Beitzel Gallery, New York, NY
Group Exhibition
Baumbartner Galleries Inc., Washington, DC
1991
The Next Show
The Gallery at the State Theater Center for the Arts
Easton, PA
Philadelphia Art Now: Artists Choose Artists
Institute of Contemporary Art University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Select Catalogs
Flirting With Abstraction: Modern and Contemporary Art
Woodmere Art Museum, 2012
Biennial 2000
Delaware Art Museum
Nancy Miller Batty, Stephen T. Bruni
Philadelphia Art Now: Artist Choose Artists Institute of Contemporary Art
University of Pennsylvania, 1991
Julie Courtney, Janet A. Kaplan, Judith E. Tannenbaum
Press
The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 15, 1998, “Abstraction at Becker,” Edward J. Sozanski
Philadelphia City Paper, May 1-7, 1998, “First Friday Focus,” Robin Rice
The New Art Examiner, January 1994, “On View”, Mary Murphy
The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 6, 1993, “In Delaware, A Survey of Philadelphia Art,” Edward J. Sozanski
The New Art Examiner, December 1991, “Philadelphia Stories,” Donald Chant Bon
The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 7, 1991, Edward J. Sozanski
Nazarewycz: Shapes that Invite Interpretation, The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 2, 1989, Edward J. Sozanski
Education
University of Pennsylvania, BFA Philadelphia, PA | 1977-1978
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), Philadelphia, PA | 1970-1975
LEAP PHOTO ©️ Ed Wheeler
INSTALLATION & ARTWORK PHOTOS ©️ Jack Ramsdale



