DRY STATE
Joshua Pieper

February 27 - April 4, 2015

Romer Young Gallery is pleased to present its second solo exhibition with San Francisco artist Joshua Pieper. There will be an opening reception for the artist on Friday, February 27 from 6-9pm.

Dear Viewer,

With Dry State, I wanted to give the proper introduction, so naturally I kidnapped the show’s poster in order to give it a second look.  It might be what’s remembered most after all. In addition I’ve added a large sculpture in the middle of the space, which orients the viewer, a compass of sorts.   Beyond that, there are a few esteemed guests waiting in pairs, and some music on a boom box for good measure.

I have a particular taste in humor and it feeds my outlook.  I grew up in Minnesota.  Ask anyone. Cut the bullshit and look me in the eyes, then we can laugh together.  I seek a level of understanding between the viewer and object that is basic in many ways, but one that’s 110% honest.  What I’m trying to say is, complicated gestures only stretch metaphors for me.  It’s not who I am.  I’m attracted to simplicity in art.  Thin is thick.  For me, the looping of references, simple language, and jiggered representations keep things existing in the moment. Art, the good stuff, is everywhere.  I don’t have to imagine it. It’s really just a matter of tuning in to the right station.  And hey, most importantly now that you’re here… I hope you enjoy the show.

Cheers,
JP

P.S. I’d also like to invite you to join me and Tim Sullivan as we host another episode of Kunstcapades, art talk radio at its best! Live at Romer Young Gallery on March 28th.

Joshua Pieper was born in St. Paul, MN. Pieper received his BFA from the University of Wisconsin, and his MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2005. His work has been exhibited at Rosamund Felsen Gallery, Santa Monica, the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, Rocks Box, Portland, New Langton, the San Francisco Arts Commission and Romer Young Gallery in San Francisco. Pieper is also the co-founder of Kunstcapades an independent art talk radio show broadcast from San Francisco.