In connect up to me, Thelen continues his exploration of what he calls “minor characters” on the edge of social and economic collapse. Thelen sets up a disjointed narrative that crosses temporal boundaries, incorporating banking and disco, death and self-loathing. Thelen will present new work in drawing, painting, sculpture. Touchstones include Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein and the gay personal ad website SilverDaddies.com.

Thelen received his MFA from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and his BFA from the University of Wisconsin. Thelen’s solo exhibitions include Hands Off My Viagra!! at Alcott Gallery, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, and Nobody’s Home at Allston Skirt Gallery, Boston, MA. Thelen lives and works in Raleigh, NC where he is the director and co-founder of the artist-run space, Lump.