PATRICK SCHMIDT, DEREK COTÉ, ERIC RYSER, MICHAEL HARP
MAY 8 - JUNE 19, 2015
PATRICK SCHMIDT. A site-specific installation using digitally generated drawing on colored vinyl or cloth tape. Schmidt uses pattern as metaphor for economic, social, and ethnic identifiers. He explores the ideas of space by considering how we perceive, interact, and experience paintings and drawings within a specific context. The structure and format of the current works explore relationships in-between defined disciplines while creating a space in which to play. Digitalization adds a utilitarian element to his work, thus equalizing the existing classifications. Much of the work is interactive in that the viewer has to move around the work in some way to fully engage. For the drawing installation(s) as the viewer walks into the space they walk into the work itself by walking on the drawing. His primary research interests focus on juxtapositions, how color affects perception, material, patterns as cultural motifs, and how technology is changing visual culture.
DEREK COTÉ. Installation based on themes of a changing Arctic. Coté’s original research developed into video installation, photographs, and sculptures that aim to present his experiences in an objective manner. Beginning with his participation with The Arctic Circle expeditionary residency, he have become interested in the foreseeable changes that are taking place socially, politically, and environmentally on the planet’s last frontier. Change is taking shape due to climate fluctuations, which has implications on Arctic population, shipping, trade, tourism, culture and even the distribution of wildlife species. The Arctic, which was once regarded as a hostile wasteland, is gaining a new reputation as a land primed for exploitation.
ERIC RYSER. Trained as a traditional object maker in non-ferrous metals and introducing intaglio printmaking to his sculptures. Ryser explores the two-dimensional through this intaglio process while still being a 3D artist.
MICHAEL HARP. Photography including elements of drawing and painting. Harp’s recent work has been close up shots of paint that reflect his impression of abstract expressionist art.