Introduction

Gregory Roberts has a playful but intellectual approach to art.  Although his pieces are composed of simple biomorphic shapes, they contain a complex and significant message.  The language he speaks is challenging, but once the subtle clues of the message have been picked up, the meaning of his work materializes instantly and keeps the viewer mesmerized.

Roberts’ pieces exhibited here, cover a decade of work.  The earlier pieces deal with the idea of overcoming monotonous jobs by applying a meditative mode.  He presents the idea of using low-tech products, like a phone book, to create a product of mediation in today’s high-tech environment.  In addition, his concerns for thirst and hunger in the world are also expressed.  His philosophical approach contrasting nature and technology is another visible steppingstone.  Why is it that we can create the most powerful technology, but we can’t eradicate starvation from the world?  Why is old stuff useless, even if it is still perfectly functional?  Those are some questions Roberts is addressing.  The retrospective ends with his latest work:  pollen, one of the smallest building blocks of life.

Roberts’ uses simple forms with complex meanings.  His concerns are real, and his statements are strong.  He works from profound conviction and he is ready to point out many social issues.  His work is truly a reflection of the challenges people face everyday everywhere in the world.

~~ Marisa Di Menna