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David Reed is a prominent American contemporary painter known for his abstract works that emphasize color, movement, and light. With a distinct approach that blends traditional techniques with modern influences, his paintings often evoke a cinematic quality, mixing expressionist brushwork with a digital sensibility. In this interview, Reed discusses his artistic journey, from his early influences to his latest exhibition, Whirlpool.

Early Influences and Path to Art

Reed’s early life in San Diego, California, was shaped by modernist architecture, thanks to his uncle, architect John August Reed. This influence, combined with family members involved in art, created a foundation that would eventually lead Reed to pursue painting. He reflects on how McLaughlin’s minimalist work, often dismissed by others, piqued his curiosity and shaped his approach to space and composition.

The Impact of the New York Studio School and Milton Resnick

While studying at the New York Studio School, Reed encountered Milton Resnick, who challenged him to view paintings as a whole rather than focusing on isolated parts. Resnick’s unconventional advice helped Reed develop a more integrated approach to painting.

Color, Emotion, and Freedom in Painting

One of the defining features of Reed’s work is his use of color to evoke emotion. For Reed, color serves as an opening, offering an unarticulated yet powerful emotional resonance. He believes color in painting can liberate the viewer, creating personal connections that transcend commercial uses of color in media.

“Painting can fight back against [advertising] by using color in a way that’s free, that lets people experience in a different way and frees them up rather than trying to control them.”

Whirlpool: The Endless Possibilities of Painting

In Whirlpool, Reed seeks to create paintings that feel open-ended, inspired by an Edgar Allan Poe story about a whirlpool with simultaneous inward and outward motion. This dynamic interaction, where paintings pull viewers in before pushing them out, captures the essence of Reed’s recent work.

“I want these forms to be open… to think that the painting can open up sideways, above and below, and maybe be repeated in certain ways.”

Homage to Barnett Newman and the Use of Stencils

Reed’s experimentation with stencils has given him new freedom in manipulating color and form. In his homage to Barnett Newman, Reed uses red, yellow, and blue to invoke Newman’s abstract yet culturally resonant approach. This piece reflects Reed’s respect for Newman’s ability to blend intellectual depth with popular culture, a quality Reed aspires to in his own work.

“I think of that painting as an homage to Barnett Newman… he was so intellectual, but still so involved with pop culture.”

Conclusion: The Emotional Journey of Painting

David Reed’s dedication to exploring the emotional and visual language of color and form has cemented his place in contemporary art. His work continues to offer viewers a unique, open-ended engagement, revealing the transformative potential of painting in a world where color is often commercially driven. Reed’s exhibition Whirlpool serves as a testament to his belief in the enduring relevance of painting as an expressive medium.

Watch David Reed’s full interview to learn more about his journey and philosophy.

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Tony Cragg, one of the most influential sculptors of our time, has consistently redefined the boundaries of contemporary sculpture. Born in 1949 in Liverpool, Cragg’s work explores the dynamic interaction between materials, shapes, and meanings. Over the course of his five-decade career, his innovative approach has garnered international acclaim, including the prestigious Turner Prize.

In this exclusive interview, Cragg dives into his early influences, his fascination with science and geology, and how these elements have shaped his artistic vision.

Early Influences: From Geology to Art

His early exposure to geology provided Cragg with a foundation for manipulating physical materials in his art. He saw sculpture as a way to communicate deeper truths about the natural and man-made worlds.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the way the Earth forms and changes materials over time,” Cragg explains. “This understanding became crucial when I transitioned to sculpture, where I could experiment with form and push the physical limits of materials.”

The Power of Material: A Key Theme in Cragg’s Work

Cragg’s work is renowned for its use of diverse materials. Over the years, he has incorporated bronze, steel, wood, and even glass into his sculptures. Each material presents its own set of challenges, but Cragg sees these as opportunities for innovation rather than obstacles.

“Every material speaks differently,” Cragg says. “You don’t just impose a form onto a material; you need to have a dialogue with it. That’s what creates the tension, the life, in a sculpture.”

This approach is evident in his famous series “Early Forms” and “Rational Being,” where forms seem to grow organically, twisting and morphing in ways that challenge the viewer’s perception of materiality.

Science, Emotion, and the Meaning of Sculpture

Cragg often emphasizes the intellectual and emotional impact that sculpture can have. He sees sculpture not just as an artistic form but as a medium through which to explore the interaction between human perception and physical reality.

“Sculpture is about making sense of the world, not just visually, but emotionally and intellectually,” Cragg reflects. “I want my works to resonate on many levels, to provoke thought, and to challenge the way people see the world around them.”

His interest in science also plays a significant role in his process. Cragg explains that his scientific understanding of materials and forces allows him to manipulate them in new and innovative ways. In many ways, his work bridges the gap between art and science, creating sculptures that are both visually compelling and thought-provoking.

New Sculptures

Cragg’s latest exhibition, “New Sculptures,” demonstrates his continued evolution as an artist. In this new body of work, Cragg returns to his roots of experimenting with form, focusing on the interaction between man-made materials and the natural world.

“The new works are very much about form and the energy of shapes,” he says. “I’m still exploring how different materials can convey different emotions and ideas, but I’m also thinking more about how my sculptures interact with space and their surroundings.”

The exhibition showcases Cragg’s ongoing curiosity and willingness to push boundaries, proving that even after decades in the field, his creative spirit remains vibrant and undiminished.

Sculpture in Modern Culture: Cragg’s Broader Reflections

Beyond his personal practice, Cragg also reflects on the role of sculpture in modern culture. He believes that sculpture can offer insights into how the material world shapes our emotional and intellectual experiences.

“In modern society, we are constantly surrounded by objects and materials, but we often overlook how deeply they affect us. Sculpture makes us pause and think about those relationships,” Cragg notes.

For him, sculpture serves as a bridge between the material and the intangible, providing viewers with a new way of understanding the world around them.

Conclusion: Tony Cragg’s Enduring Influence on Contemporary Sculpture

Tony Cragg’s contributions to contemporary sculpture have left an indelible mark on the art world. His innovative use of materials, combined with his intellectual approach to form and meaning, continues to challenge and inspire viewers around the globe.

“All an artist is doing is taking the time and the reflection to see what forms can mean anything.”

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Nathaniel Mary Quinn is an American contemporary artist who explores themes of identity, resilience, and the human experience. His latest exhibition, “The Forging Years,” reflects on his upbringing in Chicago and the transformative power of art in his life. Quinn’s distinctive style combines portraiture and abstraction to create visually striking compositions that evoke a powerful sense of emotion and vulnerability. Gestalt theory plays a significant role in his artistic practice, as he aims to evoke emotions, provoke introspection, and foster a deeper understanding of the self. At the core of his work is the message of persistence and resilience.

Nathaniel Mary Quinn’s unique style of combining portraiture and abstraction creates a sense of intrigue and emotion that draws the viewer in. His use of gestalt theory is a testament to his understanding of the human psyche and his ability to provoke introspection. “The Forging Years” exhibition is a touching reflection on how art has helped him navigate his life’s challenges. Through his artwork, Quinn encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences and find strength in their own resilience. His work serves as a reminder that despite life’s struggles, we can persist and overcome.