As the new year unfolds, the Brandstater Gallery at La Sierra University is preparing to unveil an intriguing exhibit titled “Human ~ Nature.” This exhibition will feature the creative works of artists Gary Brewer and Paul Paiement, running from January 18 to February 10. A virtual reception, including an artist’s talk and gallery tour, is scheduled for January 23 at 6:45 p.m. via Zoom. This exhibit is a unique opportunity, as it will not be shown elsewhere.
Tim Musso, the Director of Brandstater Gallery, shared his excitement about the upcoming exhibit, stating, “Gary Brewer and Paul Paiement are remarkable artists. The combination of their paintings in this two-person exhibit creates a compelling visual dialogue about nature and humanity.” Brewer’s artwork includes oil on canvas and watercolor on Fabriano paper, while Paiement’s creations are made with acrylic on plywood. Together, they will present 14 pieces that delve into the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
Artists’ Backgrounds and Inspirations
Gary Brewer, a self-taught artist based in Pasadena, also serves as an adjunct faculty member in La Sierra’s Art+Design department. Since the late 1980s, his work has been featured in nearly 100 exhibitions. Brewer’s art often reflects his profound connection to nature, challenging the idea of human exceptionalism. He has also contributed significantly as an exhibit curator and arts writer.
Paul Paiement, originally from Minneapolis, earned a master’s degree in drawing and painting from the University of Southern California. Now residing in Los Angeles, he teaches at Cypress College and has exhibited his work internationally. Paiement’s art has been acclaimed in numerous prestigious publications and is known for exploring the intersection of human structures and nature.
Shared Artistic Themes
When approached by Musso for a collaborative exhibit, Brewer suggested Paiement due to their shared thematic focus on nature and humanity’s role within it. Brewer remarked, “We both challenge this anthropocentric bias that we humans are divorced and separate from nature.” Their works encourage viewers to rethink the human-nature relationship, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life forms.
The exhibit catalog, featuring an essay by Cooper Johnson, underscores the artists’ philosophical curiosity and technical expertise. Johnson observes, “Though approaching the subject from differing aesthetics, they share a philosophical curiosity and technical mastery that exposes just how entangled the human view of nature is with human exceptionalism.”
Engaging the Audience
Through “Human ~ Nature,” Brewer and Paiement aim to engage viewers in a meaningful dialogue with their art. Paiement expressed his intention to create a visual ‘dance’ between the viewer and the artwork, drawing inspiration from past installation art. He hopes to provide an immersive experience that allows audiences to step into the artwork.
Brewer’s artistic journey began in California’s Mojave Desert and along the Orange County coast, where he developed a passion for art and the natural world. His work is driven by a commitment to preserving nature and exploring the role of artists in shaping the future.
Visiting the Exhibit
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, La Sierra University is operating online through January. Appointments to view “Human ~ Nature” in February, pending a return to in-person operations, can be made by contacting Tim Musso. Visitors to the gallery are required to wear face masks to ensure safety.