The Intersection of Reality and Perception
Recently, we had the pleasure of delving into Robert Paasch's creative process and the thought-provoking pieces on display at Chelsea Walls for the UNTITLED SUMMER exhibition. Here’s an insight into our conversation.
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Q: Can you describe your creative process and how you approach creating a new piece of art?
A: My creative process starts with the notion that we superimpose our own interpretations onto reality. This concept is reflected in my Open Blockgrid paintings, which are divided into two distinct parts. The first part is the background: organic, gestural, and fluid. The second part is the grid—a more structured element that represents an alternate version of reality imposed over the background.
Initially, my grid colors closely matched the background, creating a literal alternate version. Over time, I've evolved this approach. The grid now functions as a kind of "screen of the mind," with its pixelated form reflecting the gaps through which the underlying reality is visible. This interplay creates a loop between the two layers, allowing them to inform each other.
Some of my explorations into philosophy and quantum physics have influenced this approach. I’m intrigued by the idea that reality might not exist without an observer—something I don't fully understand but find fascinating. In a sense, the viewer adds a new dimension to the artwork.
The grid is constructed through a sort of game where each color appears an equal number of times but never adjacent to itself. This game often results in mistakes, which I then either correct or embrace as part of the creative process. Ultimately, the grid evolves through trial and error, sometimes breaking its own rules until I’m satisfied with the result.
The background of the painting involves multiple layers and washes. The grid is added with the use of tape which obscures much of the background, creating a revelation when the coverings are finally removed. This process highlights the interaction between the two layers and incorporates memory, as the grid hides the initial background while it is being painted.
Q: What inspired the specific artworks you have chosen for UNTITLED SUMMER, and can you introduce your work that is exhibiting at Chelsea Walls?
A: The inspiration for these artworks revolves around the idea that we create our own reality. Initially, I viewed this as a duality—reality versus our interpretation. However, I now ponder whether our minds entirely construct the reality we experience. The paintings at Chelsea Walls explore this idea through the duality of the organic background and the geometric grid, symbolizing the natural versus the technological.
Each piece reflects this interaction between primal emotion and ordered structure, aiming to depict how our mental frameworks influence our perception of reality. The works invite viewers to engage with these concepts and consider how their own interpretations shape their understanding of the art.
Q: How do you want your audience to engage with your pieces?
A: I hope viewers find both an emotional and intellectual connection to the artwork. While my pieces are abstract, they are not solely about visual aesthetics. There’s a philosophical layer to them—the "game" element and the conceptual framework are integral parts of the experience. I aim for the audience to not only appreciate the visual appeal but also to engage mentally with the underlying ideas. Ideally, the art will evoke a deeper response, blending emotional pleasure with intellectual curiosity.
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Robert Paasch’s work at Chelsea Walls challenges us to consider how our perceptions shape our understanding of reality. Through a complex interplay of structured grids and fluid backgrounds, the artist invites us to explore the boundaries between the tangible and the conceptual.
Blockgrid Rectangle #63, #52 and #37 are now on view at 231 10th Ave