family farm nirvana: work by allen brewer | december 13th 2008

the weirdedst family reunion...ever.

in his upcoming exhibition, family farm nirvana, st. paul artist allen brewer melds traditional hindu/tibetan thangka paintings with found images from rural minnesota counties.

the result is a re-appropriation of common man-as deity, gods, and creator/destroyer. brewer utilizes 1970's farm family portraits, snapshots, and ancient alchemist formulas to create intricate ink and watercolor renderings that resemble eastern formats, but elicit a more modern interpretation. rich with symbolism, these drawings, prayer flags, and shrines challenge the viewer to rethink man's status and existence.