On August 9, 2011, the spirit of visionary artist, Robert Venosa, transitioned to heaven after an epic battle with cancer. Mentor to countless artists, his paintings are beloved and collected throughout the world. Using a highly refined ‘misch-technique’ of casein underpainting and oil glazes, Robert translated his journeys into the glistening jewel-like imaginal worlds inhabited by luminous angels. His mystic visions attained an international audience in the late ‘70’s through Omni Magazine, and were later chronicled in three monographs, Manas Manna, Noospheres, and Illuminatus with dreamy text from his notorious friend, Terence McKenna.

Venosa also conceptualized film designs for Dune, and for the movies Fire in the Sky, and Race for Atlantis in IMAX. Robert’s extraordinary paintings became the album art for Santana, Cynic and Kitaro. Many came to know ‘Roberto’ through his Painting the Fantastic workshops at Omega and Esalen Institute, co-taught with his loving partner, the exceptional artist, Martina Hoffmann.

He introduced H.R. Giger to his neighbour in Cadaques, Salvador Dali. The late great Mati Klarwein and the venerable Ernst Fuchs were Robert's teachers with whom he later exhibited as a peer. Through extensive travel as a distinguished presenter at conferences and festivals, Venosa bridged the Visionary Art community as an emissary of the power of imagination. Courageously, Robert declared that his visions had been catalyzed by psychedelics. I was grateful to call him my friend and visionary brother. We love and miss you Roberto. Bet heaven looks just like you painted it!

Alex Grey

In Robert Venosa’s own words:

‘The role of the artist means belonging to a unique, exciting gang of outlaws. It will always be the explorers, artists, poets, curious intellectuals, musicians, and all the other existential samurai who are creatively courageous, who desire to advance their yearnings for higher truth, and who will take the leap of faith into the unknown.

The art and architecture of every great, or minor, culture, was given its visual power through the artist, and, in fact, culture itself has been defined through the artist's creativity. He has always been the catalyst for change – through music, art and other universal creative energies.

The subliminal force planted in the creation will affect, superconsciously, whomever confronts the art until it becomes a blinding force against the powers of darkness, and an uplifting, liberating source of inspiration to all truth-seekers. This is a powerful space to work from --in any and all events…and it sure beats a day job.’