Peter Jacob Christ
“Peter’s paintings convey his cheerful sense of humor and love of color through the representation of old street signage and everyday objects. Not only is his draftsmanship exquisite, but his sense of composition consistently creates for interesting and compelling pieces that reflect the wit and intellect of the artist. Peter is a prolific painter whose work, though representational, portrays an uncanny and curious abstract quality that insists that the viewer pause and reconsider what in fact it is that the painting represents.“
- Kathy Wright, Sculptor
ARTIST STATEMENT
Peter blends the fading imagery of 1950's North American signage, typography, toys, and everyday objects, with the sensual qualities of animals and the natural landscape which inevitably appeals to his sense of humor. The images that most inspire him offer an opportunity to emphasize drawing while revealing the sensuous feeling of wet paint. The strong positive and negative shapes of the typography coupled with broken neon and cast shadows help capture the spirit of these fading icons. He describes his work as ‘Post Industrial Realism – with a smile’.
Peter states: “While most people think of a landscape as a pretty pastoral scene, a lovely sunset, or some kind of “beautiful” view… I am intrigued by weather-beaten aging manmade signage, the strong negative and positive shapes of their typography, and the physical structures of these signs - especially when they are co-habited with nature’s flora and fauna. Together these make up our daily living “landscapes” that are realistic and yet abstract at the same time. Why do I find these old signs of interest… is it just nostalgia? Why do I see the inclusion of fauna as a critical component in these paintings? Why do these seemingly contradictory elements grab my attention and give me a sense they belong together… at times ironic, humorous, frightening, and yet compelling? In this time filled with environmental challenges, we need to think about what exactly is our environment composed of. What do we save; what do we discard… and why?”
Peter Jacob Christ attended Syracuse University (BFA), studied painting at the Sir John Cass School of Art in London, and traveled through Europe before moving to New York. He earned a master’s degree from New York University (MA). Teachers that inspired him include the figurative painter Jerome Witkin and the pop artist/photo-realist Idelle Weber. He lives and works in New Hartford, CT.
Peter is represented by Alofft Gallery in Litchfield, CT and Define Gallery in Sarasota, FL.