Bob Peck’s explosive abstract expressionism
By John Benson
Spoon-fed conclusions be damned. In a nutshell, that’s the idea behind the William Rupnik Gallery’s latest exhibit “LET THE CHIPS FALL,” which appears Sat 1/14 through Sun 2/5 at the Euclid Avenue venue and features work by Bob Peck.
In the press materials promoting this new collection, William Rupnik talks about humans inherently craving conclusions. That they like to know they’ve reached their goal “and they can move on to the next quandary that keeps them going.” Peck, who has a background in the graffiti world, doesn’t offer such easy outs with “LET THE CHIPS FALL.” Instead, the viewer is not only left on an island but has to be content with remaining there.
Cool Cleveland talked to Rupnik about this unique exhibition that has been in the works for months.
Cool Cleveland: How would you describe Bob Peck’s “LET THE CHIPS FALL?”
William Rupnik: Bob Peck is an abstract expressionist, and I am doing it because I’ve been in love with his work for some time now. I’ve shown with him once in 2008. It did very well and it’s about time I brought him back. Plain and simple, it’s extremely aesthetically appealing, at least in my eyes. I just love looking at it, and I can stare at it endlessly. He comes from a graffiti background and I’m familiar with that body of work that he did. So to see the transition over a number of years from that period in his life into what he’s doing today, it holds a special fondness to me.
What sort of pieces can we expect?
This is all going to be mixed media paintings and I believe all of them or the majority of them are done on arches 88 paper, which is one of the oldest and most highly regarded paper stocks in the world. They will be beautiful pieces. I can’t wait to see them. They’re all going to be very big and really cool. It’s all mixed media, enamels, spray paints, marker. I’m sure he’ll throw a few other things in there.
So how does “LET THE CHIPS FALL” fit into the mission statement behind the William Rupnik Gallery?
Because, again, he comes from a graffiti background that is highly prolific and highly regarded in that culture, within Cleveland and outside. He was featured in Roger Gastman’s book The History of American Graffiti, which is pretty much the bible for graffiti in America. There’s a chapter on Cleveland, and they talk extensively about Bob Peck’s work from back in the day. So he fits into my program on that level because I work with a lot of street artists or artists who have come from some sort of a background related to street art or graffiti. And just to see that modern, abstract work that Bob does currently, it’s exactly the kind of work that we like to show in here.
Finally, is there any baggage that potential viewers of the exhibit need to leave at the door before entering the gallery and experiencing “LET THE CHIPS FALL?”
Traditionally, people always tried to find some sort of meaning and very deep something that comes out of any piece of artwork they’re viewing, and Bob Peck’s work is not that. It’s very sterile in meaning and so on. It’s just aesthetically appealing, it’s designed and it’s thoughtfully executed. And everything about it, I just hope people come see the work and just enjoy simply looking at it.
Bob Peck’s “LET THE CHIPS FALL” will be on display Sat 1/14 through Sun 2/5 @ the William Rupnik Gallery, 1117 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. A special opening reception takes place from 7 to 10PM on Sat 1/14 at the gallery. Gallery hours are normally 12 to 4PM Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat. Open Sun by appointment. Admission is free. For more information, call 216-533-5575 or visit http://WRGcleveland.com.
[Pictured; top: Let the Chips Fall; bottom: Getaway Car]
Freelance writer John Benson spends most of his time writing for various papers throughout Northeast Ohio.When he’s not writing about music or entertainment, he can be found coaching his two boys in basketball, football and baseball or watching movies with his lovely wife, Maria. John also occasionally writes for CoolCleveland.com.