commute/sweet suede
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commute/sweet suede STATEMENT Artist commute’s “sweet suede” guise is an exercise in use of collage, assemblage and the appropriation of existing materials. Discarded papers, magazine clippings, flea market finds, found objects and vintage wares are broken down–while also being transformed into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Techniques, forms and standards pioneered by such artist as Joseph Cornell, Max Ernst, Kurt Schwitters, and Hannah Höch meet more modern artist ideas like the décollage of Mimo Rotella, the tongue-in-cheek humour of Ray Johnson, and the edgy works of the punk rock movement’s Jamie Reid. Also present are the influence of graffiti, skateboarding culture’s unique brand of art and the public works of the so-called “street art” phenomenon which currently fills the world’s streets. The use of repetition, iconology and branding is present as well; no doubt a result of Pop Art’s influence. It is an aesthetic hodge-podge of influences and ideas. Quality, but also focus on style for style’s sake, appear to be important factors. Nostalgia battles with disregard for formality, but a nod and wink to the past remains intact. All in all, the works are a unique language communicated by the artist and may be at times only understood by the artist, but do not seem to claim to be anything more than one individual’s offering of “point of view.” BIO commute. Brooklyn, New York-based artist/musician/DJ primarily focused on collage, assemblage, and appropriation of existing materials. Informally trained, the artist spent many years of self educating, making daily trips to local bookstores to pore over books on art, architecture, music, industrial, graphic, interior and fashion design; as well as visiting museums on free admission nights. Subsequent years were spent working within the art world of Chelsea, New York City. He has shown through solo and group shows both within the U.S. and Internationally and his work can also be seen through “public works” installations. ARTIST CONTACT [click to email] IMAGES
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