John Knuth
In his abstract works, LA based John Knuth collaborates with a group of unexpected partners. The paintings, breathing of sunsets, sand, hot days and breezy California evenings are all made through a method involving thousands of flies. The flies are fed acrylic paint and in the process help create and develop the minimalistic works. The paintings explore and reflect on how location, intention and chance affect us all.
Although it may seem that the flies work randomly, the method results in thoughtful abstractions, referencing movements like pointillism or impressionism. Knuth explores the possibility that perhaps we all are operating in the world like his flies – with purpose and dignity regardless of the task at hand, while forces larger than we may imagine are pointing us toward results and futures we cannot foresee.
Based in Los Angeles, Knuth relies on unorthodox and anarchistic processes and materials such as the flies, sugar, smoke, and emergency flares, in order to make sense of the chaotic landscape of L.A. and the surrounding environment of Southern California. Ultimately, these paintings of Knuth are subtle meditations on destiny, the divine will, chance, and location.
John Knuth received his MFA from USC and a BFA from the University of Minnesota. He has had recent solo exhibitions at Brand New Gallery (Milan, Italy), Marie Kirkegaard Gallery (Copenhagen, Denmark), Human Recourses (Los Angeles, CA,), Andrew Rafacz Gallery (Chicago, IL), and The Armory Center for the Arts (Los Angeles, CA). Knuth lives and works in Los Angeles, California.
Text by Maria Björnsdotter
Courtesy of the Artist
John Knuth
www.johnknuth.com
David B Smith Gallery
www.davidbsmithgallery.com
Brand New Gallery
www.brandnew-gallery.com
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