About the “Assemblage Paintings”

During my time in Japan (2018-2021), the constraints of space and current concerns about cultural appropriation led me to shift from abstract to representational work. I grappled with the fear of appropriating imagery from a culture I wasn’t born into, resulting in assemblages about plagiarism and appropriation.

In this body of work, each painting is the centerpiece of an assemblage construction. Executed on a 2-3” thick panel, the paintings incorporate found objects permanently secured to the surface, creating a shrine-inspired display. The attached palette serves as a tool for disciplined observation, symbolizing the appropriation of the subject matter and providing proof of the artist’s work.

Maneki-neko

November 28, 2022

小田原城 Odawara Castle

November 27, 2022

小田原城 Odawara Castle – side view

November 27, 2022

Tengu, Pikachu and Daruma

November 27, 2022

見立寺 – Kenryuji Temple

November 27, 2022

見立寺 – Kenryuji Temple – side view, assemblage found objects and oil on panel, 22x8in, 10-22

November 27, 2022

妙善寺 – Myōzenji Temple

November 27, 2022

妙善寺 – Myōzenji Temple – side view

November 27, 2022

天然寺 Tennenji Temple

November 27, 2022

天然寺 Tennenji Temple – side view

November 27, 2022

喜多院 – Kawagoe Kita-in Temple

November 27, 2022

Death on the March – side view

November 13, 2022

Plagiarizing Lenny Campello

November 13, 2022

Shooting – After Goya’s El tres de mayo de 1808 en Madrid – side view

November 7, 2022

Shooting – After Goya’s El Tres de Mayo de 1808 en Madrid

November 7, 2022

Tangled Russian Meteorite

November 7, 2022

An Artists Perception of a Ninja Turtle (Michelangelo) and a Spigot

October 22, 2020

An Artists Perception of a Porcelain Deer Cup and a .33 Caliber Bullet

October 5, 2020

An Artist’s Perception of Scissors and Copper Plate from 12:00 am – 1:00 pm over Two Days

April 2, 2017

An Artist’s Perception of a Mouse Trap from 12:00 am – 1:00 pm over Two Days

March 2, 2017