A landmark exhibition of 43 previously unseen works by the late Pacific Northwest artist R. Allen Jensen will open August 9–10, 2025, at Blackwall Studios and his home in Stanwood, Washington. The two-day event, curated by his widow Susanna Z Mantis, offers a rare glimpse into Jensen's artistic meditation on mortality.
Jensen's art confronts death not as an enemy but as a companion, urging viewers to live fully in the face of life's inevitable end. In a world shaped by pandemic, natural disasters, and generational loss, his work resonates with renewed urgency. The exhibition includes pieces that have never been shown publicly, discovered by Mantis after the artist's death.
Jensen's estate and family will be present to share stories of the artist, whose work reflects a deep engagement with existential questions. The exhibition is free and open to the public from 1 to 4:30 p.m. each day. Fifty percent of proceeds from art sales will support The R. Allen Jensen Foundation, which provides workspace and resources for students and artists.
Mantis, who serves as curator, described the exhibition as the culmination of a lifelong conversation between the artist and his audience. "Jensen answered the question of how to live with beauty and honesty," she said, quoting Shakespeare: 'Be absolute for death. Either death or life shall thereby be the sweeter.'
The event is expected to attract collectors, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a contemplative experience. The location at 5815 Pioneer Highway in Stanwood offers an intimate setting where visitors can engage directly with the art and the artist's legacy.
For those unable to attend, additional information about Jensen's work and the foundation can be found online. The exhibition underscores the enduring power of art to address life's most profound certainties.
