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With a background in fine art and biology, Gregg Stanger’s artwork merges traditional photographic processes with geometric abstraction. He takes a systematic approach to explore the relationship between order and disorder through simple forms and complex systems.
Whether he is collaging fragments of black and white photographs on minimal fields of canvas or creating abstract cyanotype grinds on handmade paper, Stanger’s works always adhere to a structure and a system. There is often an underlying lattice that acts as a template on which the system is applied. Based on the rules of the system, individual elements, usually simple forms such as circles or squares, interact or react creating relationships with each other and their environment. Inspired by the seemingly unpredictable outcomes of complex systems, such as organisms, ecosystems, climate, and the universe itself, Stanger’s work can be seen from both scientific and metaphysical perspectives.
Working with traditional materials such as stretched linen and handmade paper adds an additional layer of complexity to Stanger’s work. The naturally rough, uneven surface of the artworks’ substrate reinforces the fact that even within a structured format, such as woven fabric, there are unpredictable irregularities. The roughness of the materials contrasts with the hard edges of the underlying structure of the works.
Early monochromatic photography can both reflect the world and abstract it. It harkens back to a time when the medium was equal parts science and alchemy. In his cyanotype grids, Stanger takes it a step further, to untether the photographic medium from the camera, the negative, and the object. Working only with light-sensitive photographic emulsion painted on paper, the pixel-like squares of his cyanotypes are hand painted in varying patterns and shapes over multiple exposures creating a unique depth to the layers of Prussian blue.
Gregg Stanger was born in Northampton, MA. He holds a MA from New York University, a Certificate Degree from the International Center of Photography, and a BA from Hartwick College. His works have been exhibited nationally and internationally including: PULP, Holyoke, MA; International Center of Photography, New York, NY; Aljira Center for Contemporary Art, Newark, NJ; 80 Washington Square East Galleries, New York, NY; Contemporary Artists Center, North Adams, MA; Liu Haisu Art Museum, Shanghai, China; 2B Gallery, Budapest, Hungary; PH Gallery, New York, NY; Smack Mellon Studios, Brooklyn, NY. He lives and works in Queens, NY.
instagram: @g.r_stanger
contact: mail (at) greggstanger (dot) com