101/EXHIBIT PRESENTS THE WONDERFUL REALISM OF ARTIST PAT ROCHA

101/exhibit continues to impress with a showing of 15 new works from the supernatural and surreal artist in his first solo show in Miami this February.

Miami, FL January 26, 2011 – Growing up with ten siblings in a house they believed haunted, Pat Rocha developed an acute sense of the supernatural. Memories of his childhood and experiences in that house drove his imagination and his art into the nostalgic and surreal.

Rocha’s work has been called “Americana with a twist.” 101/Exhibit is honored to present his first major solo show in Miami. “Pat's wonderful realism draws from the nostalgia of our modern age, recalling idyllic notions of the magical 50 and 60's,” says 101/Exhibit owner Sloan Schaffer. Rocha’s paintings, inspired by memories and ghosts of the past, evoke a “golden era,” engaging the viewer to recall one’s own memory. Adult emotions, child-like images, the ill and the unfortunate, all inspired Rocha’s recent series of work.

Of his own work, Rocha says, “Since childhood, drawing and painting has always been an integral part of my life. It’s a constant reflection of my past experiences. My interest in human nature and the drama of living compels me what to paint. If the mood or moment is strong enough then people can draw their own conclusions. Sometimes real, sometimes imaginary.”

Pat Rocha’s first major solo show in Miami, showcasing 15 new works, will be presented at 101/exhibit in the gallery's Design District location February 12, 2011-March 8, 2011. Opening reception to be held Saturday February 12, 2011, from 7-10pm.