Working in the language of landscape, topography and architecture, Brian Reinker’s colourful abstractions depict real and imagined places with the disciplined approach of an architect. The graphic and geometric elements he uses to create cityscapes, landscapes and atmospheric horizons are rendered in ways that communicate his emotional response to the landscape. Reinker’s aim is to distil and abstract the essence of these places, using a variety of techniques and media – including paint, ink, and collage on Dibond panels.
Reinker’s process has recently focused on collage, using paper, foil and vinyl. These materials are cut and layered to create works that use colour, abstracted shapes and texture to convey traditional landscapes in a modern vocabulary.
Based in Waterloo, London, Reinker gained his BA in Fine Arts and Architecture at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio USA with further studies at the Architectural Association in London. His work has been exhibited in a number of group and solo shows and he won the London-based It’s Art Call competition in 2020. His work is in a number of collections in the UK, Europe, the USA, South Africa, Argentina and Australia.
Self-taught or art school?
A bit of both. I studied art at University, where I did painting. Later I studied architecture, which I spent many years doing. I was able to come back to art a few years ago and found that I needed to re-learn techniques. When I started working in collage, I had to learn from scratch as I had never worked in that medium before.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
Almost any Rothko. I was able to enter the Rothko Room at the Phillips Collection in Washington DC a few years ago. It was amazing. I have admired his work since I was a child.
How would you describe your style?
I think my style is quite architectural with a lean-to mid-century and Op-Art
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I tend to work in sets or series, usually a minimum of 6 in a set. I start with a theme or idea and work on different versions. I have been working with collage and paper for two years now and I find the process both exciting and very exacting. Once its glued down, it is permanent, so I have to think carefully and plan.
Is narrative important within your work?
Yes, I try to tell a story or invoke memory and capture the essence of the subject.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
I am a big fan of Mark Bradford – his maps are amazing. I just love to stare at Takashi Murakami’s art – the level of detail amazing. David Hockney’s later work on iPad has wonderful simplicity in the linework.
What or who inspires your art?
I am often inspired by landscapes and by the use of mixing and matching colours and textures.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
I work from Make Space Studios in Lambeth, south London. Its is a great place with a large variety of artists and designers. I share a large studio with Alan Oliver, who is a weaver.
Do you have any studio rituals?
I’m a big fan of Rachel Maddow from MSNBC and I like to hear what is going on politically in the US. So, when I get in each morning, I listen to her podcasts from the night before. I tend to get stuck right into work and continue from the day before where I left off.
What are you working on currently?
I tend to always work in a series in order to flesh out ideas and experiment with them. Recently, I did a series based on the rainbow flag where it morphed into Op-Art geometric patterns with the flag colours as a basis. Currently, I have just started on a Homage Series using Monet, Klimt and soon Klee as inspirations.
Where can we buy your art?
You can visit my website at www.brianreinker.com