Un/Discard: Re/Form

Gerry Ruecker 

January 18 - March 23, 2025

Gerry is a self-taught artist of over 30 years, working in mixed media construction, both functional and nonfunctional.  His current work is an exploration referencing ideas of a sense of place, personal and impersonal histories (both real and imagined), and permanence/impermanence.  The work consists of the synthesis of cast-off, discarded items (such as old pieces of found wood and building materials, rusted metals etc) with highly contrasting ornate baroque-influenced picture frames, and other miscellaneous related materials. 

This Exhibit is a body of mixed media constructions that explores the definition and usage of what is commonly considered trash. The individual pieces included in the body of work all present a strong emphasis on found/reclaimed/junk objects, however introduced in a new context. Discarded and cast-off objects, such as fragments of old furniture and building materials, rusted pieces of metal, and various other disused and disposed of items are prominent, highlighting a unique, well-worn sense of beauty. These crude, rough objects are blended with and enclosed within (or enclose) a mash-up of cheap, highly decorative baroque-influenced picture frames, kitch and miscellaneous objects.

The resulting pieces embrace contradiction, functioning as both an homage to, as well as a caricature of a tired, centuries-old style still commonly viewed as ‘classy’.