Fresh off his solo exhibition Still Alive, David Hanes sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about acceptance, repetition, the significance of being in-between, and the pleasure of mixing paint from scratch. Art is my constant, and it remains my mode of engaging with a world I often misunderstand and feel disconnected from. (ES) Describe … 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
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
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
Andrea Carpita sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about his recognizable palette, his use of digital sketches, the importance of staying connected, and Kurt Cobain. I am looking for a way to paint everything. (ES) Describe your work for us.(AC) This is the most complex question. I do not have a clear answer to … Read more
Noah Latif Lamp sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about blowing up paint, growing up among artists, confessing to the Cloud, and painting with crocodiles. I like grand dialogues already loaded with tension. (ES) Describe your work for us.(NLL) My work is an amalgamation of the everyday and the extraordinary. I take the everyday … Read more
Hetty Douglas sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about her love of Pink Angels, the bluntness of text, making herself vulnerable to the canvas, and finding comfort in texture. I just love to paint. (ES) Describe your work for us.(HD) An exploration of self, surrounding fears, feelings of confusion, sadness, hate, love and hope. … Read more
Cristina de Miguel sits down with Erik Sommer to talk about hot Sevillian summers, the immediacy of painting, being honest with herself, and the importance of taking dance breaks. I am full of contradictions. (ES) Describe your work for us.(CdM) My approach to painting is very emotional. I try to think in formal terms also, … Read more