Aaron Anderson: Artist Statement
Artist Statement 2002-2006
The work that I have done between the years 2002-2006 is a combination of abstract expressionism and constructivism. I build abstract compositions out of found objects and use expressive painterly markings in an attempt to fuse the two into a united work of art. The basis of the found objects that I use is patterned fabrics and pre-made wood pieces, which I use to create relief type wall pieces that interact with the viewer. It is my attempt to create vivid and unique works that challenge the 2-dimensionality of the painting surface. I try to compel the viewer to interact with the work by engaging their space by using the 3rd-dimension.
Artist Statement 1999-2002
Such artists produced biblical images of the “Last Judgment of mankind“ as Jan Van Eyck and Petrus Christus. Their paintings were long vertical pieces that depicted the descent into hell on the lower half and the ascent into heaven on the upper. Often a clear division across the center separated the chaos of the descent from the ease and serenity of the ascent. I have attempted to recreate this opposition abstractly, by using two separate panels unified into a single painting.
Curriculum Vitae
Born
St. Albert, Alberta, September 8th 1974
Education
1996 Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Alberta
Achievements
1996-1997
Completed first year of MFA University of Alberta, including Art History courses, 1st and 2nd halves of the 20th century, postmodernism theory and practice.
1996-1997
Internship as Gallery Assistant at FAB gallery, University of Alberta, included arrangement and hanging of artwork, preliminary lighting for graduate exhibitions.
1995,1996
Dean“s Honor list, University of Alberta
1996
Assistant to Sir Anthony Caro during a workshop at the University of Alberta
1993-1998
Employed as a Picture Framer at two separate galleries in St. Albert, specializing in museum quality framing
1995
Semi-finalist for J.P Taylor Excellence in Art Award
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions:
2000, November
Generations Gallery, Stony Plain, Alberta
2000, August
Quaker Art Gallery, London, U.K. “The Last Judgment“
1999, March
Fringe Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta “Spirit Watchers“
1995, September
Alaura Artworks, St. Albert, Alberta
1995, July
Al“lora Galleria, Edmonton, Alberta
1995, June
Studio Gallery, St. Albert, Alberta, “To the Sky- Ancient Places“
Group Exhibitions
1999, December
Agora Gallery, SOHO New York “Holiness“
1999, December
Profiles Gallery, St. Albert, Alberta “Presence“
1999, November
Generations Gallery, Stony Plain, Alberta “Time Pieces“
1999, November
Art rental and sales gallery, Edmonton Art Gallery “New Work“
1999, August
Profiles Gallery, St. Albert, Alberta “Myriad“
1999, March
The Center Gallery, Calgary, Alberta “Hu(man)ity“
1998, August
Profiles Gallery, St. Albert, Alberta “Myriad“
1996, April
Fab Gallery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
1995-1996
Anosa Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta
1995, October
Manulife Place, Edmonton, Alberta
Bibliographies
The Canada Post Newspaper, London, U.K., July 2000, Issue 40, Page 17
Gallery Representation
Art Gallery of Alberta, Art Rental and Sales 2000-Present
Rowles and Company Ltd., Edmonton, Alberta, 2002-Present
Alaura Artworks, St. Albert, Alberta, 1995-Present