Stone Licker (American Brook) Print

Robert's work uses visual languages to subtly disrupt readings of interior and exterior in the body and the built environment, as well as examining the relationships between ideology and the physical conditions of space. The idea of the subtle abjection; a way of transgressing the viewer quietly, is a central theme to his work. He is interested in how a transgressive force can appear seductive or benign but still disturbing on another level: subverting traditional separations between attraction and repulsion. "Stonelickers" are a series that include several works relating to parasitic relationships to feeding and mating and their potential as a model for artistic production and cultural exchange. The drawings for this permutation of the series are based on images of the mouth and teeth of several species of Lamprey, and several models of angle grinder bits used in stone and metal work. In sculpture, Robert's work is made from assembling building materials gathered from a particular area; creating a link from that area’s history to a totemic object or artifact that connects it to the present while questioning notions of location. "Sweet dredge" is another take on this idea, using animal remains gathered from the Thames at the site of a former meat processing plant and colorful rope. The area directly above the river now houses a rock climbing wall and gym built on the foundation of the meatpacking district. "Sweet dredge" links the gym’s conception of the body as a malleable object to be conditioned or changed to the “processing” of animal remains into meat; both systems that attempt to alter the original into a state that conforms to a normative ideal. Robert received His BFA at California State University, San Jose in Sculpture and installation during which time he worked part time as an arts Technician for Stoller Studio and David Middlebrook Arts. Shortly after graduating he was invited to participate in a two person show in Milan by MUSAE alongside the Italian artist Maurizio Rosazza Prin at Spazio MUSAE. Upon his return from Italy he was Shortlisted for the California Sculpture SLAM prize and included in the SLAM exhibition at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. In the meantime Robert worked in Hollywood as a Production Assistant working closely with the art department on several reality television shows and game shows.