b. 1975 Chicago IL USA
Lives and works in Chicago IL USA
Mike Rea is a sculptor and educator whose work blends cinematic references with personal narratives. Based in Chicago, his large-scale, multifaceted wooden sculptures explore themes of humor, violence, vulgarity, and sensitivity, merging elements of science fiction, horror, comedy, and drama. Rea transforms everyday objects into uncanny, interactive installations, challenging and surprising viewers.
Rea earned his MFA in Sculpture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and currently teaches at Northern Illinois University. His work reflects a culture that critiques and celebrates the extremes of human experience, often using exaggerated forms to provoke thought and engagement. Through his dynamic sculptures, Rea examines the intersection of personal history and the collective imagination, offering a playful yet critical perspective on contemporary life.
