Interview

Aug 25

Gerson Brink

Since graduating from the University of North Texas in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting, Gerson’s art has reflected a journey through conflicted environments of space and restriction navigating the matrix of corporate America and all the places in between. Over the course of 30+ years, he embraced his environments threading those elements into his art. Gerson is now a full-time artist living in the Netherlands.

Funk Phenomenon (Baltimore Dream Style) 2023.jpg

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My journey started when I was about 11. I converted a walk-in closet into a drawing room at my parents house where I designed spaceships and created stories of intergalactic wars. Following high school, I studied graphic design (advertising) at the University of North Texas before changing and graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. Painting was a blissful pivot in abandoning the conformity and precision that I fought so hard to maintain. I began interpreting my environment from that point forward through my art.”

Holes in Happiness - 2021 - 121cm x 121cm.jpg

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My paintings explore the underbelly of urban life—its textures, tensions, and confined energies. I transform those internal pressures into visual language through texture, fragmentation, and raw mark-making. I try to convert conflicted environments of space and restriction, particularly in relation to corporate America, mental or physical confinement, and social structures. It’s the speed of life which can, at times, crosses over current social and political issues.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“Both. If I see structure that grabs my attention that I believe can be interpreted in my art, I will take a photo with my iPhone to capture a sense of unique presence that feels understated. From there I will use that as a foundation to explore further. Improvisation is threaded though out the process. I rarely paint out of thin air; I need something physical to begin the process. Sometimes, I will incorporate the actual photos into my work.”

“My paintings explore the underbelly of urban life—its textures, tensions, and confined energies.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“At the risk of sounding uniformed, I am not currently following any art world trends. However, I do follow Mark Bradford (American artist).”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“I use combinations such as acrylic, enamel, metal, cardboard, plastic, paper cutouts, copper, brass, photo cutouts, and magazine clippings, layered upon wood or metal substrates. Artworks are built with layers of enamel, acrylic, metallic materials, paper cutouts, and found imagery, affixed to wood or metal supports. My method is tactile and collage-driven, reflecting urban textures and personal experience. The layers mirror the chaotic, fragmentary nature of modern cityscapes and inner tension. Sometimes I use a power drill with a wire brush, glue gun and chisels to manipulate the mediums.”

What does your art mean to you?

“Each piece is a snapshot of the speed of life. Breathing life in stationary space creating impact and movement is key. If that comes across, then it has meaning.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“Mark Bradford’s ‘Giant’ because it captures the arial view of the chaos and structure of Los Angeles. It is a pure reflection from his experience in the neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles. It's an immersive, detailed urbanscape of relation.”