structures / john greiner

Structures John Greiner

My early impulse to create structures involved a concept of flexibility and change.­It allowed various parts to be physically arranged as desired, letting the viewer share the joy and responsibility of discovery with the artist.

In later wooden structures the idea of self generative configurations suggested by chance arrangements intrigued me. The final form growing out of “undisciplined geometry.”

Andy Warhol showed us how mass produced, common objects can be transformed into unique objects depending on the vision of the artist.

These concepts have enchanted me over the years and continue to inspire me to create structures.

John Greiner, 2011

In 1968 I began experimenting with multiple forms in wood and Plexiglas. Parts were folded or bent in various ways and meant to be arranged as desired. Some were connected with plastic nuts and bolts which were dyed to match the color of the structures. The concept of allowing complexity to emanate from the combination of simple forms was very appealing. The structures were made, exhibited and sold in multiples.

Sunspark 1969, yellow acrylic

Starplow 1968, red acrylic

Premonition explores the difference between a feeling of something about to happen and the actual happening. Two sets of slightly different plywood forms can be assembled in various ways. Two painted a light blue/green and two painted a light green/blue. Premonition was exhibited in the “New Horizons in Art� exhibition at the Equitable building in Chicago in 1974.

Premonition 1974, painted wood

In 2006 I began exploring structures which were not predetermined. The final form developed from using a free form of geometry, haphazardly arranging sticks until “something happened” akin to a slow form of action painting.“Red Triangle” below, was my first structure using this concept.

I’ve 2008, pine wood stakes

Buzz 2008, painted wood

Familiar objects are wonderful transformational devices. The trick is to use them “seriously.�

Anatomy Lesson 2010, wood, metal, plastic and cloth coat hangers

Untitled 1973, painted concrete bricks and glass.

Chicago and Vicinity Exhibition, Art Institute of Chicago

Two Squirts #1 1985, colored ink on paper

Two Squirts #2 1985, colored ink on paper

Towers 1985, colored ink on paper

For Adam 2005, painted wood