Shit Art Club’s Loser Angeles and the Mac sit down with Erik Sommer to talk about authenticity, Google street view, creating an experience, and enjoying life. Life is never boring here. (ES) Tell us about Shit Art Club. How did it get started?(SAC) Well, we suppose the premature birth of Shit Art Club was way … Read more
Bram Braam sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about the anarchistic character of Berlin, paying attention to specific details, reflecting on built environments, and thinking about how to physically occupy a space. A rough old surface can look very classy if you put it in the right order. (ES) First, describe your work for … Read more
Moffat Takadiwa sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about cultural identity, the mobilization of material, Tapfuma Gutsa, and the Mbare Art Space. I want to start a dialogue around colonial residue in Africa. (ES) Describe your work for us.(MT) I elevate daily remains of discarded consumer wastes and residue into sculptural forms that engage … Read more
Tyrrell Winston sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about celebrity as commodity, embedded history, David Hammons, and the shadows that define public facing figures. I am fascinated with giving new life to the broken and overlooked. (ES) Describe your work for us.(TW) Most of my work is rooted on the street/road. It revolves around … Read more
Anna Pietrzak sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about her background in architecture, how she discovered gold leaf, the importance of trial and error, and the positive side effects of cleaning her studio. I only explore in larger finished pieces those that awaken excitement. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(AP) I try to … Read more
Marco Paul Lorenzetti sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about excess, the universal idea, memories of fishing, and committing to the process. My greatest surprise is when meaning is created without intention. (ES) Describe your work for us.(MPL) My work is about my life and memories. I use narrative as a structure to paint … Read more
Samuel Jablon sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about his background in poetry, Joan Mitchell, feeling optimistically doomed, and taking his work to the next level. Once I start painting all I care about is the paint. (ES) First, describe your work for us.(SJ) My work is about poetry as much as it is … Read more
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