Opening last Saturday, artist and Stanford University graduate Eric Saxon unveiled his latest work he calls “Positive Negative” which transforms a section of The University of Memphis Art Museum into a model of an electric circuit.
With over 30 black and white painted canvases covering the enclosed space, Saxon attempted to recreate a closed electrical circuit with his paintings.
“How I create the paintings is called auto drawings,” Saxon said. “I have no preconceived notion of what I want to do, I work really fast and paint a mark and follow it with another. The (pictures) are electricity in suspended animation.”
The finished product was over 30 paintings, some dating as far back as 1997 and as current as late September of 2001. From there, Saxon combined some of his previous paintings with newer works to complete the project.
Saxon also said that this is his first art exhibit .
“My work hasn’t been shown in public yet,” Saxon said. “But, when someone sees it, essentially, another circuit is closed. When in the circuit, the people act as a charged particle. I don’t think anyone can leave without being energized.”
Saxon also said that though many of the paintings resemble many different shapes and images, each picture is interpreted differently from viewer to viewer.
One of Saxon’s main goals for his works is spreading his artistic expression.
“I would say that Memphis has a vibrant art community,” Saxon said. “One of my goals is to open up ideas of what art is. Another goal of mine is that I want to claim the idea before anyone else.”
Another goal Saxon said he one day wants to accomplish is to animate his works with the aid of computer technology.
“Positive Negative” is now open in The U of M Art Museum until June 8th.
