18/11/2004
Erik Wayne Patterson
31Grand, New York
'If I forget the truth, at least I have this'. Patterson's paintings function in a slightly unusual way; rather than seeking to create a new visual phenomenon, they aim to reiterate as many old, hackneyed ones as possible, to the point of absurdity.
“If I forget the truth, at least I have thisâ€
31GRAND is proud to present Erik Wayne Patterson's solo exhibition “If I forget the truth, at least I have this â€. Patterson's paintings function in a slightly unusual way; rather than seeking to create a new visual phenomenon, they aim to reiterate as many old, hackneyed ones as possible, to the point of absurdity. Patterson's interest is in the zone which exists between the way people imagine things to be, and the way things actually are. In this zone, imperceptible but vast, he finds the building blocks of the familiar imagined or “processed†world — endless pop-culture icons, childishly simplified categories or expectations, formulaic narrative. Failure to communicate, comprehend, or connect is attributable to the flawed logic of that zone. In his paintings, those failures are made the focus, as incompatible levels of representation collide in ridiculous ways, and guilt, shame, paranoia, fear, and violence ensue. In the end, none of it is outlandish. It's very close to home, familiar, and often unexpectedly humorous.
For more information about the artist please contact us at 718.388.2858
Directions: Subway -L Train to Bedford Ave. walk south on Bedford Ave. to Grand St. Right on Grand St. to Kent Ave. Car -Drive over the Williamsburg Bridge. First exit. Right on Broadway. Right on Kent Ave. to Grand St.
Image: The Robot, 2003 34 x 24†oil on masonite
Opening: Friday, November 19, 7-10pm
31GRAND
31 Grand Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
Gallery hours: Friday – Monday 1-7pm and by appointment