Weekly Gallery Tour: Zak Weinberg
Today, we're taking a closer look at exhibiting artist, Zak Weinberg, who has three works in our latest exhibition, "Branching Out: Works in Wood from North Carolina." Zak lives and works in Raleigh, NC and has been utilizing a laser cutter in his most recent studio practice. Check out this amazing video about Zak and his work
About the Artist
Zak Weinberg (b. 1993) is a multi-disciplinary sculptor and fabricator. He received a BFA and certification in Public/Architectural Art from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida in 2016. He currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, assisting artist Thomas Sayre in his studio, and Clearscapes with their Public Art projects. Through the alter-ego, Grebniew Kaz (his name spelled backwards), a relationship has been forged with a laser cutter, creating and exhibiting machine fabricated wood relief sculptures. Together, they draw inspiration from the visual dialect of architecture, cultural patterns, historic symbolism and motif; utilizing digital precision techniques to transmute future artifacts, envisioning a modern identity for global unification. Each piece is an expression of universal language to celebrate the harmonious balance of difference.
Artist Statement
The internal instinct to express one’s self visually dates back to ancient civilizations spanning the world. A commonality of utilizing symbolic motif, geometry, patterning, and ornamentation, being unique to the identity of a culture and their way of being. This ocular language is apparent in all aspects of life, from fine arts, to architectural design, and ultimately at the root of biological existence. The intention of my work is to comment on the interconnectedness of humanity, by referencing and creating upon imagery which reflects the global community. Modern machine fabrication techniques bridge the link between the past, present, and future; drawing inspiration from terrestrial progression, to create artifacts of a time to come. Manifestations of the current harmony we share with technology, transforming the capabilities of our construction. Light and dark, positive and negative. Reflections upon the nature of our infinitely fortuitous and synchronistic entity on this planet.
To see more of Zak's work, visit his website at www.GrebniewKaz.com!
Image Credit: Zak Weinberg (Raleigh, NC). "Harmony," 2018. Lasercut stained birch plywood. 27 x 39 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Image Credit: Zak Weinberg (Raleigh, NC). "Resolve," 2018. Lasercut stained birch plywood. 39 x 27 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Image Credit: Zak Weinberg (Raleigh, NC). "Truth," 2018. Lasercut stained birch plywood. 72 x 48 inches. Courtesy of the artist.