July Exhibit: Mr. Burgher

Join us for the Opening Reception of Mr. Burgher: Pop-Surrealist Drawings

Artist Statement:

As a professional artist, master educator, novice Youtuber, and avid breather, I explore and communicate the complexities of human experience. My work is an ever-evolving narrative, intertwining personal history with broader social and cultural themes. Through my art, I aim to provoke thought, elicit emotion, and invite conversation. 

Central to my practice is the examination of identity and memory. I am fascinated by the ways in which our past shapes our present, the layers of experiences that construct who we are. Each piece I create is a dialogue between the conscious and the subconscious, a reflection of the stories that define us. I use color pencil and ink predominantly, to show my truths as a pop-surrealist artist. My art, seen in my latest series, Pop Culture on Websters '76 Atlas is deeply influenced by my lifelong interest in movies. Entertainment that defines generations, explains our sensibilities, and sheds light on who we are as people. In a way, this series is a self-portrait that as a whole, can explain a lot about me, as well as give insight my generation. 

Ultimately, my goal is to create art that resonates on a personal and retrospective level. This is not fan art, but rather a layering of information that plays into the experience and entertainment we get from the shared experience we get from the social communal practice of watching movies. Art is a mirror we can find ourselves inside. Each piece I create is a step towards that vision, a contribution to the ongoing conversation about who we are and who we aspire to be. 

In a world that often feels disconnected and fragmented, my art is an attempt to find and create connection. It is my way of reaching out, of saying that we are all part of a larger story, and that together, we can shape a more inclusive and compassionate future. Through my art, I hope to offer a space for reflection, dialogue, and, ultimately, transformation.

About the Artist:

Mr. Burgher is an Iowa native: born in Clarion; adopted and raised in Dallas Center; educated at the University of Northern Iowa; and worked in public schools/community colleges in Okoboji, Grimes and Ankeny. In 2018, Mr. Burgher stepped out of the classroom and into his personal studio.

In the confines of the studio, Mr. Burgher works largely in color pencil and/or ink media, with a lot of subjects that come from his direct or pop-surrealist observations of people/life. Life is a common thread that pulls through his work. Innumerable influences have been placed upon Mr. Burgher’s work, with his training in photography and art history being near the top of the list. The influence of life is far from an original concept, but this influence is reflected in his unique approach to storytelling within the confines of a single frame.

Mr. Burgher earned a Master's Degree in art in 2011 (Viterbo University) where engagement with students was further ingrained into his persona. Although without a classroom, he provides art historical  information via YouTube (Art 101 with Mr. Burgher on the Mr. Burgher channel) and various other social media platforms:

Facebook: The Artwork of Mr. Burgher

Instagram: Mr.Burgher_Artist

Pinterest: Mr. Burgher

RedBubble: Mr_Burgher

Twitter: @Mr_Burgher

YouTube:  Mr. Burgher

Website: MrBurgherArt.com

Mr. Burgher has had his work displayed at the Amsterdam Whitney in New York, solo artist shows in Ankeny, IA and Fredonia, KS. His work has also earned merit and first place awards at the Iowa State Fair, and is in included in numerous collection around the world. Mr. Burgher lives and works in Corydon and West Des Moines, surrounded by his family and a constant flood of new influences.