The paintings in this new body of work are inspired by the history of the geodesic dome and are a continuation of the artist’s urban landscapes exploring utopian and dystopian environments.
The word Utopia originates from the literal Greek meaning “non place,” suggesting thatperfection can only exist in the realm of imagination. Minervini’s work presents invented spacesthat are based on reality, but revel in artificiality. In these desolate dreamlike non-places, theartist subverts nature and constructs or destroys architectural sites alluding to the making of autopian and/or dystopian environment.
Sunken Dreams suggests the potential futility of aspiring for a better future in the face of humanity’s self-destructiveness. The inspiration for this series comes from the life and work of R.Buckminster Fuller who had, among other things, popularized the geodesic dome. Fuller had a vision for a utopian future, one which he saw as attainable through the innovation and implementation of science and engineering. Fuller’s iconic dome structure was the pinnacle of his design and by implementing them into this body of work, the artist hopes to make a connection between Fuller’s ideologies through symbolically utilizing his structures.
Minervini draws reference from an archive of photographs both personal and researched in order to construct the environments within each composition. With this framework he then utilizes innovative painting techniques to create layer upon layer of depth and texture. Vibrant colors remove the image from its reality and call attention to the origin of the digital image. “While I am interested in the process of working from digitally processed imagery, I place a strong emphasis on spontaneity, materiality, and revealing the painting process.” The end result is an image where abandoned landscapes stretch to the horizon and vast ruins of urban decay slowly crumble under the beauty of a pastel sunset.
Robert Minervini: Sunken Dreams
Exhibition Dates: May 7 through May 28th, 2011
Opening Reception: May 7, 2011 from 6pm to 11pm
Gallery Hijinks
2309 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Press release and image provided by the gallery.
Kimberly Kradel
Bryan Stillman