A group of three local graphic designers, Emiko Shekem, David Geisler and Bryce Ulmer, are pushing the boundaries of graphic design and “transforming” it into Fine Art. The group is responsible for, among other things, the “Get Out” insert published weekly by the Kenosha News.
They are presenting their first solo show “Tri” at the 716: Fine Art gallery in downtown Racine. The gallery is owned and managed by David Geisler, one of the artists.
The idea for this show came to them in one of those aha! moments as they were having dinner together two months ago. After several conversations regarding the differences and similitude between graphic design and fine art, and the constraints imposed to them by the nature of commercial art, their conclusion to these conversations was, “Why not have a fine art show presenting our work?”
Creating art with a computer takes some time to master and a sophisticated set of skills; it is often believed that art created with a computer is created faster (compared with how long it takes to create a painting or a sculpture), and for this reason it seems “easier” to create than with traditional media. To challenge themselves further, David, Emiko and Bryce set up rules to keep themselves focused and to ensure that they were creating new art for this show. The rules included restrictions on how many prints would be made. Another was that all of the art produced must be made from the time between their dinner conversation two months ago and the show opening this week. Organic elements, not only in theme but also coming from real life, will be represented in each of the 5 to 7 pieces produced by each artist. The result is a series of prints in which each artist was able to present their own artistic expression, and varies from the organic and, according to Shekem, more “feminine, but not Barbie-doll feminine” look to the intense Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and black used by Ulmer (heavily influenced by the color separation process used in the print industry) to the minimalist approach taken by Geisler who says, “It was an accident.”
Be sure to check in next week with the follow up after the opening reception.
“TRI” Featuring Emiko Shekem, Bryce Ulmer and David Geisler
The exhibit runs from February 14 through March 6
Opening Reception, February 15 from six to nine
716: Fine Art
262.898.1620
401 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
2 comments ↓
I can’t wait, because I have yet to see your work David. It should be a podcast…lol!
I should note that neither bryce, emiko or myself are responsible for the Get Out, I think it’s an excellent insert but other people at the news work very hard to publish it every friday. Bryce does however design the covers of the Get Out often.
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