Robert Pepper: Soul Machines
November 3 – December 15, 2006

Pepper’s dynamic vision arises from an amazing degree of energy, intensity and insight. His extraordinary level of perception and commitment, both artistic and ethical, are embodied in the artworks in this exhibition. As a preface, of sorts, in the smaller galleries there is a modestly scaled installation of studies and notes tracing the process of ideas that eventually are embodied in the larger paintings.

The larger paintings are based on geometric, modular structures with complex shaped canvases. Yet, frequently there are organic or expressionist gestures that counter the geometric grids, creating an ambiguity that contradicts any easy interpretation of mapping space. Similarly, there are frequent shifts towards diagonal impositions that disrupt attempts to impose a simple logic upon these planes.

This major development in pepper’s work is colorful and dynamic in design; yet, more importantly, the paintings introduce a myriad means of conceptualizing puzzling patterns into a schema, drawing new maps and forcing the viewer to create new connections in new frontiers.

Ron Schira, a local artist and critic is the guest curator for this exhibit. His catalogue text reflects the inner workings of Pepper, melding concept with process–a profile of an artist who is totally dedicated to the act of making art and who completely rejects the artifice of the art world.