Avery Singer

Fast Facts

Digital Techniques in Traditional Painting:

Singer is celebrated for her use of digital tools in the creation of her paintings. She often employs 3D modeling software to design her compositions, which are then meticulously transferred onto canvas using a projector and airbrush.

Monochromatic Palette

Much of Singer's work is characterized by a monochromatic palette, often using shades of black, white, and gray. This choice gives her work a stark, graphic quality that highlights the interplay of light and shadow.

Exploration of Artistic Process and Art History

Her work frequently explores the process of art-making and references art history. Singer often includes elements or scenes that reflect on the nature of artistic creation and the role of the artist.

Abstract and Figurative Elements

Singer's paintings blend abstract and figurative elements. Her subjects, often figures or objects, are rendered in a geometric, almost computer-generated style, set against abstract backdrops.

Critique of Contemporary Culture

Her art often contains a critique of contemporary culture and the art world. Through her unique style, she comments on the impact of technology, the nature of representation, and the commodification of art.

Biography

Avery Singer, born in 1987, is an American artist who has distinguished herself in the contemporary art world through her innovative digitally assisted paintings. She harnesses 3D modeling software and computer-controlled airbrushing to create her pieces, a technique that marries the realms of digital design and traditional painting in a unique and thought-provoking way (Wikipedia).

Singer was raised in an artistic environment, the child of artists Janet Kusmierski and Greg Singer. Her academic path led her to the Cooper Union, where she graduated in 2010. Following her education, Singer has worked out of studios in the Bronx and Bushwick, Brooklyn, indicating her strong connection to New York's vibrant art scene (Wikipedia).

Her work is characterized by the use of architectural, automation, and other modeling software to create detailed backdrops, which are then brought to life through layers of airbrushed images. These images often draw from internet searches, spanning genres and trends inherited from art history, and showcase a spectrum from black, white, and grays to more colorful palettes in her later works. Singer’s art is deeply influenced by historical movements such as Constructivism, Futurism, and Cubism, as well as by contemporary artists like Charline von Heyl (Wikipedia).

Singer’s talent and innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. Her first European museum solo exhibition was presented by curator Beatrix Ruf at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam in 2016, showcasing her works from 2012 onwards. This exhibition marked a significant moment in her career, cementing her status in the international art community (Wikipedia). Moreover, her artworks are part of prestigious public collections including the Museum Ludwig, Stedelijk Museum, The Whitney Museum, Hammer Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her contribution to the art world was recognized when she won the annual Prix Jean-François Prat in 2017 (Wikipedia).

One of her early solo exhibitions at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler in Berlin in 2013, titled ‘The Artists,’ explored stereotypes surrounding the lives and socialization of artists through a satirical lens. This exhibition featured works that delved into the myths of artistic bravado, inebriation, and narcissism, demonstrating Singer’s keen ability to critique the art world from within. Her subjects, rendered in constructivist-like forms, express exaggerated poses and emotions, further bridging the gap between digital rendering and physical expression (Hauser & Wirth).

Beyond her early work, Singer has continued to push the boundaries of painting, incorporating new technologies to explore past art historical references and the current state of image-making. Notably, her self-portrait exhibited at the 2019 Venice Biennale showcased innovative techniques involving liquid rubber, spray bottles, and watered-down white paint to mimic the effect of foggy glass, challenging traditional modes of representation and perception in painting (Hauser & Wirth).

Avery Singer's career is a testament to the evolving nature of art in the digital age, seamlessly blending technology with traditional painting techniques to question and expand the boundaries of visual expression (Ocula). Her art serves not only as a reflection of contemporary society’s relationship with technology but also as a profound commentary on the art world’s historical and cultural narratives.

Series

Importance

Avery Singer's work in the contemporary art world stands as a significant blend of technological innovation and artistic exploration.

Innovative Use of Digital Technology in Painting

Singer is at the forefront of integrating digital technology into the traditional art form of painting. Her use of 3D modeling software and computer-controlled airbrushing to create her artworks represents a pioneering approach, blending the precision of digital design with the spontaneity of painting. This innovative method not only challenges the conventional boundaries of painting but also reflects contemporary society's integration with technology (Wikipedia).

Reinterpretation of Art Historical References

Singer's work is notable for its reinterpretation of past art historical movements and references through a contemporary lens. By employing motifs and stylistic elements from movements such as Constructivism, Futurism, and Cubism, Singer creates a dialogue between the past and present, questioning and expanding upon traditional artistic narratives. Her art acts as a bridge, connecting historical artistic practices with current digital and technological advancements (Hauser & Wirth) (Ocula).

Exploration of the Artist's Role and Art World Critique

Through early works such as those in her exhibition 'The Artists', Singer critically explores stereotypes and myths surrounding the life of an artist. By parodying the social and professional expectations of artists, her work delves into the performative aspects of the art world, highlighting the often-unspoken rules and dynamics that govern artistic creation and reception. This introspective approach offers a satirical, yet insightful critique of the art world, inviting viewers to reconsider the artist's role in society (Hauser & Wirth).

Contribution to Feminist and Conceptual Art Discourses

Singer's work contributes significantly to feminist and conceptual art discourses. Through her exploration of gender, identity, and the human condition, her art engages with broader conversations about the role of gender in art and society. Singer's practice, which often interrogates the representation of the female body and challenges traditional gender norms, aligns her with the feminist art movement, contributing to the ongoing dialogue around gender, power, and representation in the art world (Hauser & Wirth).

Recognition and Impact on the Art Market

Singer's recognition within the art world, exemplified by her inclusion in prestigious collections and significant sales at auction, underscores her impact on the contemporary art market. Her ability to command attention in both institutional and commercial contexts speaks to the broad appeal and importance of her work. As a relatively young artist achieving significant milestones, Singer's success also reflects shifting dynamics within the art market, where innovation and technological integration are increasingly valued (Wikipedia) (Ocula).

Technique

Avery Singer's artistic technique is a fusion of traditional painting methods and cutting-edge digital processes, showcasing a distinctive approach within contemporary art.

Utilization of 3D Modeling Software

Singer employs 3D modeling software to conceptualize and design her artworks. This digital approach allows her to create complex and detailed preparatory sketches that serve as the foundation for her paintings. The use of technology as an integral part of her creative process underscores a modern approach to art-making, blending the digital with the tactile (Wikipedia).

Computer-Controlled Airbrushing

A significant aspect of Singer's technique is her use of computer-controlled airbrushing. This method involves transferring her digital designs onto canvas using a machine traditionally used for commercial purposes, such as printing logos on trucks and airplanes. This innovative application of technology enables precise and intricate layers of paint to be applied, producing textures and effects that are difficult to achieve by hand (Wikipedia).

Layered Airbrushing Technique

Singer's paintings are characterized by their layered airbrushed images, which are built up through a meticulous process of applying multiple layers of paint. This technique allows for the creation of depth and complexity within her works, as the layers interact with one another to form the final image. The use of airbrushing contributes to the distinctive visual quality of her paintings, which often blend realism with abstraction (Wikipedia).

Integration of Art Historical and Internet-sourced Imagery

In her compositions, Singer often integrates imagery sourced from art history and the internet. This approach allows her to draw upon a wide range of visual references, combining them in novel ways to create unique scenes and narratives. Her work thus becomes a dialogue between past and present, digital and analog, reflecting on the nature of art and image-making in the contemporary era (Wikipedia).

Experimentation with Color and Form

Initially focusing on a monochromatic palette, Singer has expanded her use of color in more recent works. Her exploration of color and form is informed by her digital design process, allowing for experimentation with hues and shapes in ways that challenge traditional painting conventions. This evolution in her use of color further demonstrates her willingness to push the boundaries of her medium and explore new possibilities within her artistic practice (Wikipedia).

Themes

Digital and Physical Blend

Avery Singer's art embodies a fascinating blend of digital innovation and traditional painting techniques, marking her as a standout figure in contemporary art. Her unique style emerges from a deeply integrated process that marries the precision of digital modeling with the tactile qualities of airbrushing, creating works that challenge and expand the boundaries of painting.

Singer utilizes 3D modeling software, commonly employed by engineers and architects, to craft the initial designs of her artworks. These digital models serve as the foundation for her paintings, onto which she meticulously applies layers using a digital airbrushing system. This method allows for a futuristic interpretation of trompe l'oeil, where the distinction between the digital creation and its physical manifestation becomes intriguingly blurred (Galerie).

The artist's approach is not merely about the novelty of using new technologies; it is deeply intertwined with the content and narrative of her works. In a series featured at the "Unity Bachelor" exhibition in Miami, for instance, Singer explored themes of personal and collective trauma against the backdrop of New York's skyline as altered by the events of September 11, 2001. Here, the sharp geometrical figuration employed by Singer not only references the city's architecture but also the fragmented nature of memory and trauma, demonstrating how her method of creation deeply informs the subject matter of her paintings (Artnet News).

Singer's art doesn't stop at the visual; it extends into a philosophical exploration of the relationship between traditional art-making tools and contemporary technology. She engages with this dynamic to produce a "new visual reality," where the juxtaposition of historical art-making techniques and modern digital methods generates new meanings and interpretations. This blend is not just a technical achievement but a narrative device, allowing Singer to create complex, layered works that invite viewers to reconsider the essence of painting in the digital age (Art21).

Her work has garnered attention not only for its technical prowess and conceptual depth but also for its visual impact. Singer's pieces often feature futuristic, robot-like figures caught in narratives that draw from and critique conventional art world tropes, further illustrating her engagement with art's past and future. This engagement isn't superficial; it's a profound inquiry into how art can evolve through the incorporation of technology without losing its connection to traditional practices and themes (Art21).

In essence, Avery Singer stands at the forefront of a new wave of artists who are navigating the increasingly blurred lines between the digital and physical realms. Through her innovative use of technology and deep engagement with the history of art, Singer not only challenges existing boundaries but also proposes new possibilities for the future of painting.

Reflection on Art History

Avery Singer's work intricately explores and critiques the history of art through a modern lens, blending traditional motifs with contemporary digital techniques. Her practice is deeply rooted in a dialogue with art historical genres and trends, which she reinterprets using cutting-edge technology. Singer employs architectural and automation modeling software, alongside an animation specialist, to create digital backdrops. These are then intricately layered with airbrushed images, a process reminiscent of traditional painting techniques but executed with modern tools designed for industrial applications. The images she selects often draw from internet searches, reflecting on genres and trends from the art historical canon, suggesting a deep engagement with and reflection upon these traditions (Wikipedia).

Singer's exploration of art history is not only a matter of technique but also subject matter and narrative. Her early works utilize geometric figures in fictional scenes to satirize conventional notions surrounding the artist and the art world. For instance, her series at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler, which includes works like "The Studio Visit" and "Performance Artist," mocks contemporary art clichés through depictions of artists and their audiences in absurd, staged performances. These pieces, rendered in a distinct, large-scale black-and-white format, play with the viewer's expectations and challenge conventional representations of the artist's role and the art creation process (Ocula).

Furthermore, Singer's participation in the 58th Venice Biennale and her work entitled "Self-portrait (summer 2018)" illustrate her continued engagement with the history and future of art. In this self-portrait, she references the classic genre of Venus or bathers while satirizing modern-day proposals for public art, thus blending historical reference with contemporary critique (Ocula).

Singer's art does not merely replicate the past but rather interrogates and redefines it, using the tools and technology of the present. Her works stand as a testament to the evolving nature of art and how history can be reimagined through modern perspectives. Through her innovative approach, Avery Singer invites us to reconsider our understanding of art history, its tropes, and its relevance in today's digital and rapidly changing world.

Exploration of Memory and Trauma

Avery Singer's exploration of memory and trauma, particularly in relation to the 9/11 attacks, is deeply personal and complex. In her exhibition "Free Fall" at Hauser & Wirth, Singer delves into her own experiences of the event, having lived close to the World Trade Center and witnessing the attacks firsthand at a young age. This profound personal impact of 9/11 is a central theme in her work, manifesting in pieces that explore collective trauma and the aftermath of the tragedy through a blend of personal recollections and media images (Studio Int'l) (Time Out Worldwide).

Singer's technique involves a blend of digital and analog processes. Starting with digital models designed in software like SketchUp, she then meticulously translates these designs onto canvas using an airbrushing technique. This method reflects her desire to incorporate automation in her art-making process, allowing for a certain detachment and precision in her work. However, recent pieces have seen her reintroduce more direct, physical mark-making to her canvases, adding a new layer of depth and complexity to her exploration of memory and trauma (Studio Int'l).

"Free Fall" features a range of works, including installations that recreate the mundane yet haunting aspects of corporate America, transformed by the events of 9/11. Singer creates environments that resonate with loss and remembrance, incorporating elements like office settings, portraits of individuals affected by the attacks, and depictions of personal and collective grief. Her work is both a meditation on the specific events of 9/11 and a broader exploration of how tragedy and trauma can shape personal identity and collective memory (Time Out Worldwide).

Singer's art raises questions about the ownership and representation of trauma, challenging the viewer to consider who has the right to depict certain experiences and stories. Through her unique blend of digital artistry and traditional painting techniques, she creates works that are deeply affecting, navigating the difficult terrain of representing traumatic memories in a way that is both respectful and impactful (Time Out Worldwide).

Innovative Use of Materials and Techniques

Avery Singer's work is a testament to the innovative fusion of digital technology and traditional painting techniques. Her art, known for blending analog and digital mediums, creates complex paintings that explore new visual realities. Singer uses commercially available software for modeling and animating figures, which then serve as the foundation for her airbrushed layers of content on canvas. This approach allows her to build narratives physically, layer by layer, integrating her experience and reflections on modern life and art history (Artnet News).

Singer's journey as an artist is deeply rooted in her New York upbringing, surrounded by the art and creative energy of her parents, who were both painters and film projectionists. This environment, coupled with her exposure to modern and contemporary art from a young age, significantly influenced her artistic development. Her work ethic, developed through her education and upbringing, plays a crucial role in her practice. Singer's engagement with art began early, having grown up in her parents' art studios and later exploring art-making through film with a Super 8 camera gifted by her father. This early exposure and the diverse influences she encountered set the stage for her unique approach to painting (Numéro Magazine).

Singer's technique has evolved over time, incorporating new technology as part of her artistic exploration. Initially interested in video art and computer modeling as a student, this interest has become a hallmark of her work, changing as her goals and the themes she explores in her painting practice evolve. Her transition from using grisaille to incorporating color in her work was an unconscious decision that reflects her evolving technique and approach to painting. Singer's works, often featuring robot or manga-inspired characters, reflect her exploration of geometry and form, facilitated by her adept use of 3D modeling programs. These characters, initially born from her limited knowledge of the software, have grown into complex figures that comment on various aspects of modern life and art history (Numéro Magazine).

Avery Singer's art is a compelling blend of the old and the new, where digital techniques meet traditional painting to explore contemporary themes and personal narratives. Her work not only challenges the boundaries of painting but also invites viewers to reconsider the relationship between technology and human experience in the creation of art.

Experimentation with Space and Installation

Critique and Embrace of Technology

Avery Singer's innovative approach to art encompasses not just the blend of digital and manual techniques but also extends deeply into the realm of space and installation. Her solo exhibition "Free Fall" at Hauser & Wirth in London is a profound example of this, where she explores the collective trauma of the 9/11 attacks through a meticulously constructed environment that recreates elements of the World Trade Center's architecture. This setting serves both as a stage for her paintings and as an integral component of the exhibition's narrative, aiming to immerse visitors into a contemplative space that bridges the personal and collective experiences of that day (Observer) (FAD Magazine).

Singer's technique merges digital renderings with airbrush methods, layering, and the use of liquid and solid masking to construct images that oscillate between high-definition digital clarity and the tactile presence of traditional painting. "Free Fall" reflects her personal encounter with the 9/11 tragedy and contemplates the evolution of image culture from 2001 to the present day, emphasizing how tragedies are now experienced through a barrage of digital media. The exhibition is both a memorial to the events she witnessed and a commentary on the pervasive impact of media in shaping our collective memory of trauma (FAD Magazine).

By integrating architectural elements of the World Trade Center, including the unique eighteen-inch slit windows designed to prevent vertigo and the impersonal corporate aesthetics of its interiors, Singer not only recalls the physical space of the tragedy but also critiques the dehumanizing aspects of corporate environments. The inclusion of a bookstore within the exhibition, stocked with self-help books reminiscent of those found in a Borders bookstore beneath the towers, adds another layer of irony and reflection on the cultural and psychological aftermath of the attacks (FAD Magazine).

Singer's work is a thoughtful examination of how technology, media, and space can intersect to create a new visual and emotional reality. Through "Free Fall," she invites viewers to navigate through layers of memory, media representation, and the stark realities of historical events, offering a unique perspective on how art can mediate our understanding and remembrance of collective traumas.

Artists/Avery Singer