ALEXANDER BUZZALINI
JON P GEIGER
NICK MAYER
"Staging Ground" features installations by three artists working across a range of media who transform the gallery space by creating environments for both the individual components of their work and the viewer. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between figure and ground as the artists compose narratives that speak to history, masculine archetypes, and displacement. Through the use of color, scale, and imagery, the installations set the stage for us to enter another place, time, or state of mind.
Formally trained as a printmaker, Alexander Buzzalini of Hamtramck, MI creates work that straddles the line between 2 and 3 Dimensions. His drawings function as props that become animated by emerging away from and receding back into flat space. Buzzalini received his BFA from Wayne State University in 2013 and has exhibited across Metro Detroit, most recently at Public Pool (Hamtramck, MI), and Madonna University (Livonia, MI).
Jon P Geiger, ceramist living and working in Pontiac, MI, employs the magic of cinema through the appropriation of distinct imagery and symbolism from the Great American West juxtaposed with handcrafted elements. Geiger received his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and has exhibited nationally and internationally, most recently at Three Walls (Chicago, IL) and Good Weather Gallery (North Little Rock, AR)
Nick Mayer, currently in Long Island, NY creates painting based installations that challenge traditional modes of display by rolling, slumping, and layering works on top of each other. His large-scale installations play with contrasting concepts and language –both visual and written. Mayer is a Yale University School of Art 2017 MFA candidate and has exhibited nationally, with an upcoming exhibition at Lease Agreement (Baltimore, MD)
On display through May 30, 2015. From May 8 - 30, Butter will be open Fridays from 1-5pm and Saturdays from 1-3pm with additional hours by appointment.
