PRICE, Utah — Gallery East on the campus of Utah State University Eastern will host an exhibition titled Ephemeral Geometry: Juxtapositions in Print, showcasing the printed paintings of Salt Lake City artist Joshua Luther. The exhibit will run from April 2-26 in the Central Instruction Building.
Luther points to the important ingredients of his work when describing his creative process.
“In my artistic practice, I explore the intersection of mundane landscapes with vibrant geometric forms, inviting viewers to reconsider the ordinary through a lens of abstraction and transformation,” Luther said. “Utilizing common tools such as desktop printers and office papers, I craft prints that blur the boundaries between the digital and the tangible.”
Luther meshes different media to create engaging montage pieces that are full of depth and meaning.
“Through methods of waxing or cutting through paper, I imbue each piece with a sense of translucency or layering, adding depth and dimension to the imagery,” he said.
The contrast of geometry, color, and the natural environment play an important role in the designs.
“The juxtaposition of gritty, everyday landscapes with sharp circles and bold hues serves as a focal point of my work, challenging traditional notions of beauty and perception,” Luther said. “By infusing mundane scenes with bursts of color and geometric precision, I aim to provoke thought on the inherent contrasts within our environment.
“In some of my pieces, I delve deeper into the textures and patterns of industrial structures, employing zoomed-in scans and reprints to create a sense of disconnection from the original subject. This process of abstraction serves to highlight the inherent beauty and complexity of these often-overlooked elements, inviting viewers to explore the interplay between familiarity and abstraction.”
Luther is an accomplished artist whose creative journey began at a young age. Since his early
childhood, Luther has been captivated by the world of art, exploring various mediums and techniques with a relentless passion. His dedication and natural talent have propelled him to achieve great heights in the realm of visual arts, making him a distinguished figure in the contemporary art scene.
“Through my work, I seek to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, inviting viewers to discover beauty in the mundane and find harmony amidst contrasts,” he said. “Each piece is a testament to the transformative power of art, urging us to see the world with fresh eyes and embrace the beauty of imperfection.”
He earned a bachelor of fine arts degree with a specialization in painting from Utah State University, where he delved deep into the expressive possibilities of color, form and composition. During this period, Luther’s work exhibited an innate ability to evoke emotions and provoke introspection.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to expand his artistic horizons, Luther pursued further education, obtaining a master of fine arts degree with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This interdisciplinary experience allowed him to explore new avenues of creativity and further refine his technical expertise.
Currently based in Salt Lake City, Luther continues to push the boundaries of his artistic endeavors. His work has garnered critical acclaim and has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and galleries, both nationally and internationally.
The exhibit, “Ephemeral Geometry,” will continue through April 26. An artist’s reception will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 5. Students, faculty and the public are invited to attend.
Gallery East is free and open to the public during the academic year. The spring 2024 hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed weekends and holidays.