# Andrew Guenther

Andrew Guenther (born 1976 in Wheaton, Illinois) is an American contemporary artist living in Brooklyn, New York. He is known for his multidisciplinary approach, creating works that include paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Guenther earned a BFA from Lawrence University in 1998 and an MFA from Rutgers University in 2000. His art has been exhibited in galleries and institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

## Artistic style and mediums

Guenther's work combines elements of painting and sculpture, often incorporating materials such as clothing, sunglasses, cigars, and papier-mâché. The use of gold and silver leaf is present in some of his recent creations. Early in his career, Guenther's pieces were influenced by themes like death metal, mythical creatures, and kitsch culture. Some critics have compared these works to those of Francisco Goya and Hieronymus Bosch, noting their dark nature.
In more recent work, Guenther has explored abstract and surreal themes, often featuring recurring motifs such as the "Plate Face" character and marine animals like whales and dolphins. These paintings have drawn comparisons to Abstract Expressionism and outsider art, due to their spontaneous and emotive qualities.
Guenther's photography, predominantly in black and white, emphasizes a documentary aesthetic. He has stated that working in black and white removes cultural references and focuses the viewer's attention on the composition and subject matter.

## Solo exhibitions

2014
* "Popcorn Illusions" 106 Green, Brooklyn, NY
2011
* "Talking to a Fish and Paraphernalia" Freight + Volume, New York
* "Corn, Tobacco, and Other Stories" Kaycee Olsen Gallery, Los Angeles
2010
* "The Devil’s Pants" Motus Fort, Tokyo
* "Recent Works on Paper" Freight + Volume, New York
2008
* "Looking For Culture: Part I" Andrew Rafacz Gallery, Chicago
* "Looking For Culture: Part III" Freight + Volume, New York
2007
* "Things Ingested and the Shapes They Become" Derek Eller Gallery, New York
* "Standing in water up to the shins, your foot looks at a minnow and says, 'look what I have become!'" David Castillo, Miami
* "The Slap of Bird Shit on Wet Pavement" Mogadishni, Copenhagen
2006
* "Reflections of Ourselves From Space" Bucket Rider Gallery, Chicago
2005
* "Us and Them" Greener Pastures Gallery Contemporary Art, Toronto
2004
* "Something Happened Yesterday and More Things Will Happen Tomorrow" Perry Rubenstein Gallery, New York
2003
* "How Do You Waste Your Time" Daniel Silverstein Gallery, New York
2002
* "Somewhere Between Good and Evil" Daniel Silverstein Gallery, New York

## Selected bibliography

Books and Catalogues 2012 Bua, Matt, and Maximilian Goldfarb, eds., Architectural Inventions: Visionary Drawing of Buildings. (London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd., 2012).
2008 Mullins, Charlotte, ed., Painting People: Figure Painting Today. (New York: Distributed Art Publishers, 2008).
2005 The Triumph of Painting. (London: Jonathan Cape, 2005).
Articles 2012 Landes, Jennifer. "The Art Scene: 09.13.12." The East Hampton Star, September 11, 2012. Accessed January 28, 2013. http://www.easthamptonstar.com/?q=Arts/2012911/Art-Scene-091312
2006 Grabner, Michelle. "Andrew Guenther, Bucket Rider Gallery." Artforum, November 2006.
2005 Comer-Greene, Rachel. "Sticks & Stones." Time Out New York, August 11–17, 2005. "'You are Here' charts critical look at artistic frontier." The Big Bend Sentinel, October 6, 2005.
2004 "Mixed Paint: A Survey of Contemporary Painters." Flash Art, November–December 2004.

## Reception and impact

Guenther's art has been described as experimental, often challenging traditional boundaries between mediums. Critics have observed his ability to merge playful elements with darker themes.