Daisy Parris sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about jigsaw puzzles, the history of South London, the difference between painting on paper and canvas, and being healed by the process. I am a sucker for nostalgia. (ES) Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you grow up?(DP) I grew up in Kent, … Read more
As he prepares for a group show at Lewisham Arthouse Joseph Clarke checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about investigating instability, exploring space and context, researching historic art movements, and the documentation of process. Writing and researching have become integral to my practice. (ES) Describe your work for us.(JC) I am exploring the effect … Read more
Fresh off his show at Valerius Gallery in Luxembourg Martin Paaskesen checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about being an actor, hip hop lyrics, the sculptural identity of canvas, and the vibrant state of painting. The process is the only thing there is. (ES) Describe your work for us.(MP) My work is some kind … Read more
Gabrielle Graessle sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about The Forgetful Angel, her two greyhounds, her desire to open an artist residency, and the pros and cons of living in nowhereland. The drawings are not looking for a result. (ES) Describe your work for us.(GG) I draw a lot, all that surrounds me. What … Read more
Olve Sande checks in from Oslo to speak with Erik Sommer about the influence of place, how he conceives his work, being inspired by reading, and testing new pieces against the mess of daily life. To work and to make things is just another way of thinking. (ES) Tell us a bit about your background. … Read more
Fresh off his show with Pam Glick at Ober Gallery, Max Frintrop checks in with Erik Sommer to talk about simple tomato sauces, gazing into a void, the rush of small ideas, and assisting with the fight against Coronavirus. Painting and I, this is a symbiosis. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(MF) It is … Read more
Abel Kabel sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about Gauguin, painting on their carpet, combinations of colors, and not making perfect art. I just found out I like crude and crummy art. (ES) Describe your work for us.(AK) I would describe it as explorational. Mostly within myself. Oh, and crummy. Tell us a bit … Read more
Dan Flanagan sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about the Prado Museum, knocking on wood, political cartoons, and meeting Susan Rothenberg. I am heavily influenced by New York City. (ES) Describe your work for us.(DF) I would describe it simply as big drawings. Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you grow … Read more
Ciro Duclos sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about James Turrell, the architectural features of his work, how he started questioning materials, and the significance of borders. I like to play with the viewers’ expectations. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CD) My main medium is sculpture and installation. I like to play with the … Read more
Rachel Howard sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about her use of control and chance, misappropriating material, the importance of drawing, and the privilege of living with art in the house. I never follow the instructions. (ES) Describe your work for us.(RH) I do not have a style per se, as I do not … Read more