SPENCER FRAZER
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Since ancient times, man has used art to tell stories, document events, and record history. My work follows in this tradition with a commentary on global climate change and environmental imbalance. My paintings investigate the results of the human impact upon nature, often told from the perspective of the wildlife depicted. They ask us to question what is, and what will be. The resulting dialogue will hopefully help us appreciate the important role of nature in our lives and the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.
Nature has always fascinated me. When I moved to the Northwest in the early 1990s, I became enamored with the power, beauty, and spirit of the land. I attempt to portray this visual revelation through my art. Embedded with a unique visual language of intricate patterns, my work bridges the physical world and an imaginative dreamscape, creating a visual tapestry that speaks to the combined consciousness of the natural world.
Akin to the experience of discovery in nature, my paintings invite the viewer on a journey of discovery. The compositions of my paintings are assembled from a multitude of smaller narratives that refer to many of the manmade environmental issues of our time, such as global warming, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, air pollution, and industrialization.
As I explore the relationships between man and nature I pose the question: Is man part of nature or in opposition to the natural process? It’s an interesting question that is answered philosophically based on an adopted perspective. My work attempts to create a conversation about this by interjecting a human representation or activity in contrast to the natural world. The resultant tension can help us reveal our personal truths about who we are as a species and our place in this world’s future.
