UN-NATURAL COURSE
Justin Amrhein
July 1 - 31, 2015
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THE ONLINE EXHIBITION - DRAWINGS, PRINTS & VIDEO
PRESS RELEASE
UN-NATURAL COURSE
Video and drawings & prints by Justin Amrhein
July 1 – 31, 2015
In his first solo exhibition, at Another Year in LA, Brooklyn-based artist; Justin Amrhein has ventured beyond his technically committed, obsessive two-dimensional works to expand into the world of video for his online exhibition, UN-NATURAL COURSE. Consistent with his prior work, the technical virtuosity of the experience reflects both the real world and the virtual structure that is represented through drawing and architectonic visuals that inform and connect both artistic endeavors.
While Amrhein’s interests lie within a genre of artists whose experiences/artwork reflects the independent notion of scribe and mirror of our ever increasing intensely complex cultural and architectural existence; he also grounds his new video work “Mechanical Orchid - A Functional Display “, by the inclusion of a horizon line. This formal but seemingly innocent arrangement is where the video takes place. A seed is planted. Not planted by hand but by a structure that interrupts the landscape and burrows into and below the earth (horizon). There the “seed” is watered through an infiltration system and nurtured so that it can grow and blossom. This process visually connotes Amrhein’s earlier 2-D works in look, attitude and function creating a juxtaposition of the real and virtual worlds.
Intrusion, interruption and interjection are thematic in the involvement of visual iconography introduced throughout the work. The kinetic elements range from hard edged drawings to lyrical recognitions of blooming orchids and lilting butterflies. Both nature and structure, these organic elements provide a welcome balance and reflective moment in their inclusion. What appears to be simple and clean gives way to pondering thoughts about “the edge”, metamorphosis and pictorial structure.
JUSTIN AMRHEIN
Orchid triptych
*Cypripedium Acaule aka Lady Slipper *Vanda Coerulea aka Blue Vanda *Psychopsis Padilio aka Butterfly Orchid
44"x15" each, Edition of 25, 10 color screenprints on Coventry Rag Paper
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CLICK BELOW TO WATCH JUSTIN AMRHEIN'S VIDEO
2015, Edition of 3, stop motion animation video - 3:17
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Mechanical Orchid - A Functional Display, Relic #1
2015, 48" x 20", Collage, graphite, acrylic on paper
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Mechanical Orchid - A Functional Display, Relic #2
2015, 12" x 14", Collage on paper
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Jade Vine
2014, 40" x 26", graphite and water color
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Gibraltar Campion
2014, 24" x 18", graphite and water color
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Replacement Tree (Yew)
2012, 22" 33-1/4", graphite and collage on paper
SOLD
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Replacement Cherry Tree
2013, 56" x 40", graphite, collage and acrylic on mylar
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Replacement Tree (Fruitless Mulberry)
2012, graphite and collage on vellum graph paper, 33 1/4" x 22"
SOLD
JUSTIN AMRHEIN - MY WORK
Figuring out how things work and discovering what components are necessary to create a fully functional machine intrigues me. My inspiration is fueled by the intricacy and sheer beauty that I find in mechanical schematics, blue prints and instructional drawings.
Investigating the dynamics between combining the mechanical with the Biological is a recurring conceptual direction that often reveals itself as the focal point throughout much of my work. Representing machines in a metaphorical or literal direction frequently shifts from piece to piece.
In the form of schematic drawings, I am able to define the function and purpose of created elements that border between real objects and imaginary creations. By using different labeling systems to illustrate and organize an object, I am able to provide a commentary on a multitude of subjects while creating complicated, purpose-driven machines.