Artist's Statement
The works in this group show are from my first series of paintings titled, The Holy American Empire. They were painted in 2002 and 2003 as my interest in paint as well as my political angst began to blossom. My interest in editorial illustration and its role in the history of art fueled these works. Being able to speak so literally about one’s views was a fresh approach to art instead of the usual hidden messages that never seem to grab people easily. A part of me felt that I should grab people and shake them with imagery just as I felt the government was doing to the public so outwardly at the time.
Still apparent in my more recent work, a sense of humility and the grotesque play a huge role, bound together through the mockery of contemporary advertisement and the history of art. There is also a sense of nostalgia in my paintings that I attempt to achieve with color and the blank stare. Eyes have always been a fascination of mine, and even in my more abstract works they appear ever so subtly.
Justin Berger currently resides in Philadelphia after graduating from Tyler School of Art with a BFA in painting in 2006. Along with his studies in oil painting, Justin works in art restoration at The Johnson Atelier in Hamilton, New Jersey. He also composes music and directs an experimental World Music series called The Diaspora Series at The FUEL Collection.