Peter Alexander, a celebrated figure in contemporary art, unveils the captivating dialogue between his profound connection with the ocean and his innovative resin artistry. This exploration delves into the essence of Alexander’s work, revealing how the fluidity of water and the alchemy of resin converge to shape his iconic pieces. From the bewilderment of young audiences encountering his art to the intricate processes behind his creations, we uncover the layers of meaning and technique that define Peter Alexander’s unique artistic universe.
The Aquatic Inspiration of Peter Alexander’s Resin Art
Alexander’s affinity for surfing and the aquatic world is not merely a pastime but a fundamental influence on his artistic expression. He articulates the allure of resin as stemming from its inherent resemblance to water. Despite lacking the scent of the ocean, resin mirrors its visual essence, offering Alexander a medium to solidify the ephemeral qualities of water. This fascination allows him to capture the fluidity and transformative nature of water, giving shape and color to its intangible beauty within his art. The ability to manipulate resin in this way becomes “really special” for Alexander, enabling him to translate his deep-seated connection with the ocean into tangible artistic forms.
Unveiling the Process: Curing Time and Material Evolution
The process of bringing Peter Alexander’s resin creations to life is a delicate dance with chemistry and time. Curing, the transformation from liquid resin to solid form, is a critical stage dictated by a chemical reaction between two components. The duration of this process is contingent on factors like size, with larger pieces requiring longer curing times. For instance, creating one of his signature boxes, as featured in exhibitions like the one at LA’s Parrasch Heijnen gallery, typically takes around three hours to cure.
While the fundamental process remains consistent with newer resin formulations – still involving a two-part chemical reaction – advancements in materials have brought about significant improvements. The cure time may be slightly extended, but the enhanced quality of the new resin allows for greater artistic possibilities. Notably, it enables the creation of incredibly delicate, thin edges in his works, a feat that was previously unattainable with polyester resin due to its fragility and tendency to crack.
Overcoming Limitations: The Resilience of Innovation
Reflecting on his earlier works characterized by thin edges, Peter Alexander reveals the challenges and ingenious solutions employed in his artistic journey. To achieve those delicate forms with older materials, he resorted to mixing a flexible resin, a workaround he acknowledges was “not a great idea” but proved functional. He expresses surprise at the longevity of these early pieces, a testament to both his innovative spirit and the enduring quality of his vision, even when pushing material boundaries. The evolution of resin technology has not only simplified his process but also expanded the potential for durability and finesse in his creations.
The Spectrum of Color: From Earthly Tones to Kool-Aid Brightness
Color plays a pivotal role in Peter Alexander’s artistic vocabulary, spanning a diverse spectrum “from crystalline to, um, kool-aid.” This range encapsulates his nuanced approach to color selection, where he draws inspiration from both natural, earthy tones and the vibrant intensity of artificial hues. The crystalline end of the spectrum often reflects natural elements and earth tones, while the “kool-aid” side embraces brilliant, saturated colors. Resin as a medium is particularly conducive to achieving remarkable color density, allowing Alexander to fully exploit the expressive potential of color in his art.
An Ongoing Experiment: Color Mixing and Form
For Peter Alexander, the act of delving into colors and mixing them is perpetually an “experiment in process.” Each creation becomes a unique exploration, ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly alike in their chromatic composition. This experimental approach extends to the forms his art takes. While colors may reappear across different forms, such as in his boxes and bars, the perception of these colors is profoundly altered by the context and shape of the artwork. Alexander cites his dark bars exhibited at Parrasch Heijnen gallery as an example; colors discovered in this form might later be translated into a box, demonstrating a continuous cycle of experimentation and cross-pollination of color ideas throughout his diverse body of work.
