Photo by Sean McFarland
Artist Statement
In my works on paper, I'm exploring the printed word as a visual representation of information, attempting to uncover new meaning in what is slowly becoming an outdated form. Crossing out the entirety of a written text while exposing only selected words changes the perception of the original message. Revealing word frequency adds another layer and opens new paths to understanding.
As an extension of this, my mixed-media pieces are created from flyers stapled to telephone poles (lost dog, garage sale, etc.). After years of weather, these community billboards become a rusting graveyard of events past. I remove the paper scraps and re-assemble them into graphic structures inlaid with chaotic bits of image, typography, and rust. I've even begun creating my own flyers, exposing them to the elements before tearing and then reassembling them into new forms.
Most of the larger scale projects I create are a direct reaction to either personal or shared events. The feeling of isolation created by the internet led to The 1000 Journals Project, a shared artifact network connecting strangers the world over. The rhetoric about what's good or bad for the economy led to my questioning why we're not talking about what's good or bad for people instead. I seek to make people think, consider, and even question their preconceived beliefs.
Bio
Someguy, also known as Brian Singer, is a San Francisco based fine artist whose projects have received international attention. His art ranges from intimate works with paper to large scale participatory projects. The 1000 Journals Project, launched in 2000, was turned into a book, a feature length documentary, and has been exhibited at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The project was covered in The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, Better Homes and Gardens and many others.
Brian is also an accomplished graphic designer having created work for Apple, Adidas, SFMOMA, Chronicle Books and many others. In addition to being recognized with numerous awards and publications, he has served as the president of the San Francisco chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design and taught at Academy of Art University.
Education
Brian received his BA from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Group Exhibitions
2012 HELP/LESS, Printed Matter, New York, NY
2012 FAX, San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2011 Transmit, Den Contemporary, Los Angeles, CA
2011 Proof, Southern Exposure, San Francisco, CA
2011 The Art of the Book, Donna Seager Gallery, San Rafael, CA
2011 Getting Upper, Pasadena Museum of California Art, CA
1000 Journals Exhibitions
Scottsdale Public Art, March 1 - June 30, 2012
Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles October 5, 2010 - February 26, 2011
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, November 1, 2008 - April 5, 2009
Board Involvement
AIGA National Board (2013-present)
San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery Advisory Board (2009-2012)
AIGA San Francisco Board (2007-2010, Vice President, then President)
New Langton Arts Advisory Board (2004-2006)
Teaching History
Academy of Art University, Grad Program, Graphic Design (2006-2008)
CCA, Extension Classes (2004-2005)
Talks to Creative Groups
2013
Y! Design Conference
Creative Summit Conference
Art Institute Pittsburgh
2012
Re:Design Conference
Autodesk Design Department
2011
PapierHier, The Netherlands (upcoming)
AIGA Colorado (upcoming)
Target Design Group
Columbus Society of Communicating Arts
Destination Design Management Conference
The Colophon Club, Berkeley
2010
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Phoenix Design Week Conference
Rethinking Media Conference: Amsterdam
Clorox Design Department
FUSE Conference: Chicago
AIGA Santa Fe
AIGA Reno/Tahoe
2009
De Anza College, Cupertino
UNITE, San Diego
AIGA Salt Lake City
AIGA Cincinnati
AIGA South Carolina
AIGA Raleigh
AIGA Charlotte
DWELL ON DESIGN, Panelist, Los Angeles
AIGA Arizona
AIGA Portland
SFMOMA
2008
Dallas Society of Visual Communicators
Academy of Art University
IDEO SF
Portfolio Center
Art Institute Atlanta
Creative Summit Conference
Art Institute Los Angeles
