ABOUT THE LECTURE

“Is the image making us, or do we make images?” – Paul Pfeiffer

Imagine an amazing spectacle, like a victorious athlete hoisting their trophy into the air. Now remove the athlete. What was once a familiar cultural pattern is given a haunting new perspective. This is Paul Pfeiffer’s expertise. Join us to gain insight into his creative process and get inspired to change how others see the world!

Paul’s artist talk is titled Revelation 21 and will survey Pfeiffer’s videos, sculptures, and photographs from the late 90s to today, framed in relation to a pattern of religious dimension running through the work. This focus is connected to an investigation of the rise of new modes of populist address in public discourse and global culture generally, and to the emergence of hybrid social formations like megachurches that exceed the logic of the nation-state.

• Watch Pfeiffer’s Art 21 Feature to Learn More About His Work

• View Images from Pfeiffer’s Most Notable Series Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

• Read an Interview with Pfeiffer About His Horror-Inspired Sculptural Works

Paul Pfeiffer’s visit is part of the VASD Program’s Patterns series. Click here to learn more.

ABOUT THE LECTURER

Known for his innovative manipulation of digital media, Pfeiffer uses found footage, photography, and sculpture to examine how the media shapes our perception of ourselves and the world. Drawn to “images of amazing spectacle” (think packed stadiums, televised game shows, and paranormal Hollywood scenes), Pfeiffer reimagines video and photographs to expose an emptiness beneath the scene. Through his loops, digital erasures, and overall mastery of postproduction, he portrays a surreal, glorified, and sometimes humiliating reflection of these peculiar events.

Pfeiffer was a featured artist in the PBS series Art:21 – Art In The Twenty-First Century, and his work has been seen in numerous national and international exhibitions including the Whitney Biennial, PS1’s Greater New York, the Sydney Biennial, and the 2001 Venice Biennale. Pfeiffer was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and currently lives and works in New York City and Manila.

Private events for the rmcad community

Next Day Q+A Lunch with Paul Pfeiffer

Wednesday, January 22, 2020
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Spivak

Seize the opportunity to learn from an expert! RMCAD faculty, staff, and students are invited to join the VASD Program and artist Paul Pfeiffer for a casual Q+A session over catered lunch. This intimate gathering provides an opportunity to further discuss the ideas presented in the previous night’s artist talk, ask questions about his artwork and career, and get professional advice.

Studio Visits with Paul Pfeiffer

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

All studio visit spots have been filled!