Oregon artist Burkheimer brings installation exhibit to Brandstater

Karl Burkheimer’s ‘if only’ multi-media exhibit of installation art and photographic pieces opened Oct. 3 and will run through Dec. 8. An artist’s reception was held Oct. 9 and included an artist’s talk. Jamie Wilson, founder of Agenda, an artist representative, curatorial and consulting serves firm serves as exhibit curator. 

The exhibit’s works include a series of carved, wooden blocks accented with black and white paint. Exhibit centerpieces consist of large indoor and outdoor installation works of plywood, metal, paint, sheetrock and other media.

“Indeed, from drywall slabs on legs that resemble graffiti-covered billboards to almost rubble-like arrangements of carved wooden blocks to studies of the beauty of human blight, the artist’s work stages the edge of ruin and construction, the zones on either side of an object’s plain, observable present,” writes Travis Diehl in an exhibit catalogue for ‘if only.’ The book will be released during the art opening.

Notes Burkheimer in his artist’s statement, “Often large and architectural, utilizing rough or raw materials, my works generally operate as sculptural installations, referencing the ever-changing, ubiquitous built environment. Yet my practice courts an absence that exceeds the constructed artifact. Action, effort, and material are employed to surround an emptiness.”

Burkheimer appears at Brandstater Gallery through the support of The Ford Family Foundation. He has exhibited his work around the country and he has been the recipient of multiple recognition awards and fellowships. His artwork and minimalistic inspirations derive from a background in construction and architecture.

"...my works generally operate as sculptural installations, referencing the ever-changing, ubiquitous built environment." -- artist Karl Burkheimer

A limited edition cover design for the Brandstater Gallery exhibition catalogue was created over the summer by art professor and Brandstater Gallery Director Tim Musso together with student gallery assistant Shailani Skoretz. The work was done in collaboration with Burkheimer and catalogue designer Martha Lewis. The design process involved screen-printing textures and relief-printing metal plates onto book board using the university printshop.

During the week following the Brandstater Gallery exhibit opening, Burkheimer will also spend time with La Sierra’s Art+Design students. “Karl is a remarkable artist, thinker and teacher,” Musso said. “As part of this exhibition he will be joining my 3D design class for a week to oversee a creative project with my students that aligns with some of the ideas from his exhibit at the Brandstater Gallery.”

Burkheimer connected with Musso several years ago during Burkheimer’s “Tautline” exhibit at Los Angeles Valley College in North Hollywood. “I was impressed with his work and the way he talked about making art and the role of the artist in society,” Musso said. “I found out from a friend that [curator Jamie Wilson] was looking for a venue to show Karl's new work. We got in contact with one another and now his work is here.”