Installation view, Peter Caine
An Interview with Peter Caine
Noah Becker: I first encountered your artwork at the “Greater New York” exhibition at PS1, specifically the room filled with Yeti figures with glowing eyes. This installation was quite impactful for me, influencing my own painting. Could you elaborate on the concept behind that work?
Peter Caine: That piece, Overseer, evolved quite a bit from its initial conception. I often visualize my pieces mentally before physically creating them. Originally, it was intended to address slavery in the American South, featuring stereotypical and offensive caricatures. However, this felt too simplistic. The theme of slavery and masters led me to contemplate the concept of God and how such atrocities could be permitted by a divine being. My thoughts on God align with the absurdity I see in religious beliefs – the idea of an old man with a beard like Merlin, as ridiculous as Scientology’s space travel myths. To me, God is a joke. All religious stories are fabrications created by imaginative apes trying to explain the unexplained. The outrage that would follow if I used religious texts as toilet paper highlights the absurdity of religious fanaticism. These “Wookies” or “Yeties” were born from this reflection on the foolishness of religious dogma. Once a piece is exhibited, I prefer not to over-explain it, allowing viewers to form their own interpretations. Overly didactic art loses its intrigue, at least for me. Ultimately, I create art for my own enjoyment, to live with and observe in my own space.
NB: Your work fearlessly explores the grotesque, the absurd, the political, the horrific, and the mundane, often pushing boundaries of reason. Your piece addressing the NYPD resonated with me, particularly in its commentary on the “Giuliani effect” on New York, which was somewhat eclipsed by 9/11. Giuliani’s negative public image, stemming from incidents like the Amadou Diallo shooting and the NYPD officer assaulting Abner Louima with a plunger, was transformed after 9/11. There were reports of NYPD actions at your opening at Jack the Pelican related to this piece. Could you clarify what happened?
PC: There were no arrests at my opening, and if there had been, I imagine I would have been the one arrested! I’m not entirely sure what you’re asking about specifically. Regarding the NYPD piece, it stems from my personal experiences with police profiling. Many assume I’m “white,” but my heritage is more complex. The “Black Irish” myth, which my family perpetuated, is just that – a myth used by non-white individuals to pass as white. Discovering my mother’s Choctaw and my father’s Plains Indian ancestry clarified a lot, including the constant police stops I endured while biking in Brooklyn. These stops were always thinly veiled drug searches, fishing expeditions based on my appearance. Complaining only led to intimidation and absurd justifications, like being profiled for being “skinny and riding a bike,” a supposed dealer profile. The NYPD, in my view, is riddled with corruption and abuse. I would welcome an arrest as it would provide an opportunity to challenge their actions in court. The abusive tactics, like the Louima assault, are disturbing and speak to a deeper issue, perhaps repressed homophobia. Why else would a cop care about someone’s sexuality to that extent? It seems less about law enforcement and more about twisted personal gratification. As my father said, policing is often the only career path for those who were last in their class – it’s a job that attracts those seeking to exert power abusively. Giuliani’s mayoral tenure, beyond 9/11 heroism, was deeply problematic. His treatment of the homeless, a population largely suffering from mental illness, was inhumane. His “clean up” of the city came at a significant social cost. I miss the grittier, more authentic New York, the peep shows, the pawn shops. Even exercising my Second Amendment rights in this city is now a bureaucratic nightmare, thanks to Giuliani. I long for the days when Times Square was a place where you could experience the raw underbelly of the city, not this sanitized, corporate version. And yes, I hope his prostate gives him a swift exit. Didn’t he even marry his cousin?
NB: New York has undeniably changed, losing much of its previous character. The restrictive dancing policies were absurd. How do you feel about being an artist in New York today? Is it as glamorous as you might have imagined?
PC: Glamorous? My reality is closer to picking up dog waste to afford rent. Art is a pursuit best suited for the wealthy or the truly unhinged. The notion of glamour in art is laughable. The creative process is solitary and demanding. Romantic relationships often suffer under the pressure of deadlines and the artist’s need for isolation. There’s nothing glamorous about the grueling work of creation.
NB: Do you currently work with an art dealer?
PC: Yes, I do work with art dealers. They provide the crucial platform to exhibit my work. Without them, the pieces would remain unseen. Finding venues isn’t the issue; I often decline shows that don’t feel right. My considerations are primarily time, energy, and, most importantly, finances. Money is always a factor. The dealers I collaborate with grant me artistic freedom, though I can sense when they perceive my work as overly provocative. Feedback is valuable, and I’m open to constructive criticism. Sometimes, toning things down might be advisable, but with my upcoming installation, “Ann Frank’s Room,” any compromise would be unacceptable. In that case, I’d rather exhibit elsewhere or keep it for my own collection. People are drawn to the spectacle, the “freak show” aspect of art. My work attracts viewers, creating a mutually beneficial situation for both myself and gallery owners. My issues lie not with gallery owners but with broader aspects of the art world, particularly events like the Miami art fairs, which I find farcical. I pity young artists chasing unattainable carrots in that kind of environment. Be cautious what you wish for in this industry.
NB: Are you supportive of Obama? You must be relieved to see the Bush administration gone. What are your thoughts on Obama and the significance of an African American president?
PC: Obama? He’s alright. It would be interesting if he came out as gay – the first black, gay president. He reminds me of my gay brother. His family doesn’t negate that; gay men can have children too. He’s doing fine. Legalizing marijuana and taxing religious organizations should be next on his agenda. As for being “African American,” I’m not sure how deeply that resonates with him culturally. I doubt he’s listening to 50 Cent and demanding hot sauce from his wife. Speaking of his daughters, give them a few years… they’ll be quite something! But what about the promised dog? Was that just political talk? Maybe he dislikes dogs – the hair on the suits, the smell. What kind of president doesn’t have a dog? A bit too polished for my taste. I’ve even considered a presidential run myself, campaigning on a “feed the homeless pigeon” platform. We could train the homeless to hunt pigeons in urban areas, armed with nets – maybe not BB guns, given potential instability, but nets to catch and consume their prey. Solving two problems simultaneously: hunger and pigeon overpopulation. Furthermore, the government should invest in human-chimp hybrids. The military and domestic applications of “Manpanzees” are vast – imagine a Chimpman butler! Ethics should not hinder scientific progress; pure knowledge is paramount. Obama’s reinstatement of stem cell research is his most commendable action. Cheers to the American, or African American, president, if you prefer.
NB: “Manpanzees” – that’s genuinely funny. I voted for Barack Obama and am very proud to have him as president. This conversation has many layers and complexities. Thank you, Peter, for taking the time to speak with us amidst your busy schedule. You are a true inspiration to many.
whitehot gallery images, click a thumbnail.
Editor-in-Chief: Noah Becker
Noah Becker is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Whitehot Magazine of Contemporary Art, a practicing visual artist, jazz musician, and writer. Web: www.noahbeckerart.com email: [email protected]
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