Tyson Grumm
Anthropomorphism 01
November 15 - December 6, 2008
D5 Gallery
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 15, 5:00-7:00pm

The Robert Berman Gallery is pleased to present a new collection of paintings by Tyson Grumm entitled Anthropomorphism 01. Viewing an exhibition by Tyson Grumm is momentarily entering a fantastical world of unique characters, wild animals, nostalgic objects and textural environments created entirely in the mind of the artist. These well-rendered, contemporary Surrealist works are freeze-frame glimpes of these elements humorously and mysteriously orchestratred inside de Chirico-esque landscapes and architectural surroundings. Exploring these works reveals a story that is only partially told, enabling the viewer to contribute their own unique perceptions to the completion of each of Grumm’s works.

As the artist states, "The stories being told in each painting are created without preconceived planning. I add each element until I see a story. I enjoy forming the story, or parable, step-by-step with found imagery, animals interacting with humans and whatever grabs my eye. Often I keep in mind an overall theme, which in this case is parables told around the nooks, crannies, and niches of walls. This basic theme gives me focus, and a starting point, and from there, the story evolves itself. The characters, animals, and people that fall into these niches are created with a variety of intellectual range, and sometime seem to know what’s going on a lot more than you, or even me, the creator. I find this irony critical to the statements they seem to be making."

The artist not only renders objects such as maps, antique scientific instruments and books that he has collected throughout his life into the scenes but also chooses the actual frames that company the paintings. Hand-collected, reworked and carefully chosen, the frames help to enhance the personality and meaning of the paintings, the end result being not just paintings alone but objects of splendor, wonder, and amusement.

This is Tyson Grumm’s 3rd solo exhibition at the Robert Berman Gallery. His exhibitions, which consistently sell out, have also shown in San Francisco, Oregon, Washington and Internationally as well. The artist was recently the recipient of the 2008 PONCHO IFA Artistic Merit Award.