Brion Nuda Rosch

Date
8 April 2011

We first came across Brion Nuda Rosch’s work last year, having seen a show in which a variety of his collage pieces were unified by the consistent use of a very specific turquoise colour (Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2010). Last month he showed at The Armory – that bastion of the New York art fair scene – and will show on his own later in the year. We caught up with Brion to talk about his work, where he finds his material, and that turquoise colour…

Could you introduce your work to us?

I make collage and assemblage works. The starting point for each work begins with an accumulation of materials followed by a set of rules – i.e. place an object on an object, cover an object with house paint and place on side, place a form over a photograph of a waterfall, or a waterfall over a waterfall, or a mountain over a mountain.

When and why did you start working this way?

I began my practice as a painter. I painted everyday, with little success. I began to cut up my paintings, and in this action I found smaller complete works. My process shifted towards making collages with these new successful paintings. Over time these actions have become much more reduced leading me towards the work I currently make.

Where do the materials you use come from, and why do you use them?

I purchase books from used book stores, garage sales, estate sales, and directly from collectors. The sculptures and assemblage works are made using salvaged ceramics, wood, drywall and house paint. These materials present themselves everyday in my neighborhood and there are multiple wood shops near my studio that recycle off-cuts. Often I visit dumpsters at local art institutions, particularly the sculpture departments at the end of each semester. You could argue there is inherent beauty in any object, or something is a movement or placement away from becoming a work of art. While believing this to be true, I’d suggest my motivation is much more fundamental. Place piece of wood on table, cover with paint.

I recently had a related conversation with Peter Fagundo on this topic while in residence with SFMOMA’s Open Space, which you can find here.

You had a show last year in which a specific turquoise colour was used throughout. Why this colour, and what’s its importance/relevance?

Turquoise is the life of refinement. Turquoise is elegance. Turquoise is dance and ecstacy, but also sleeping in and staying in bed. Turquoise is beauty. And style. Turquoise is the never ending garden party. Turquoise is the champagne out of a lady’s slipper. Turquoise is your doggy dish. Turquoise is the freedom you play around with. Turquoise is infinite leisure. Turquoise is the time at your disposal. Turquoise is everything. Is nothing

You had another show at DCKT last month, as part of the Armory season. How was that?

DCKT exhibited twenty new collages at The Armory. I believe they were received well. In general I have attended very few fairs, they make me anxious.

What’s next for you?

DCKT will have new collages at Next Art Fair Chicago this month. Bay Area Now 6 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Material Deposits at The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center both open in July. A solo exhibit at Baer Ridgway Exhibitions opens in September.

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About the Author

Alex Moshakis

Alex originally joined It’s Nice That as a designer but moved into editorial and oversaw the It’s Nice That magazine from Issue Six (July 2011) to Issue Eight (March 2012) before moving on that summer.

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