1xRun Thru Interview
Trailer Park Jesus and Trailer Park Mary by Peter Adamyan
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about these pieces?
Peter Adamyan: The original piece was a look at how religion changes the images of their deities to fit new followers and I wanted to make a Jesus and Mary that would fit into the poor right wing whites in this country, or at least the stereotype of what that means. To keep with that theme I thought it would be great to print the images on a kitch item which you might find decorating the homes of the trailer park residents that this new version of Jesus and Mary would appeal to.
1xRun: Were these pieces part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
Peter Adamyan: These pieces were from my solo show last year at lOAKal Gallery in Oakland, called Salvation Mini Mart. The show had to do with how religion changes over time and how Christianity in particular can change in a national like the US which is so consumer driven.
1xRUN: What materials were use to create this piece with?
Peter Adamyan: The original pieces are oil on panel, each has their own custom frame made from a whole car tire. The plates are printed in a Chinese factory like most goods in the US.
1xRun: When were these pieces created and how long did they take to complete?
Peter Adamyan: The original pieces were made in the fall of 2013 and took about 30-40 hours to finish.
1xRun: Anything immediate you would like us to highlight?
Peter Adamyan: I just want to get the point across that this not just merchandise with my painting on it, but the type of merchandise it is printed on is supposed to add a level of commentary and fit with the theme of the original artwork.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Peter Adamyan: The idea came into my mind when someone saw the originals in progress, and commented on how the round shape made them think I was making plates. It dawned on me right away how great that would be as a print release.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Peter Adamyan: The originals are in car tires which has quite an impact on the wall. The plates are unique as most editions are on paper or wood panels. The releases I’ve seen done on plates to me just come off as merchandise and don’t really add anything to the original image.
1xRun: Why should people buy this piece/print?
Peter Adamyan: Pissing of religious relatives is the best reason, but other then that both the original and plate are unique pieces that have a presence in a room as well as make a statement.
1xRun: Describe these piecest in one gut reaction word.
Peter Adamyan: I could eat off that, or JESUS CHRIST!
1xRun: What artists inspired you early on?
Peter Adamyan: Anything on Nickelodeon.
1xRun: What artists inspire you now?
Peter Adamyan: Anyone with guts and talent, people who can combine concept and craftsmanship to create something of high caliber and hopefully make a statement about our existence as human beings.
1xRun: Do you listen to music while you work? If so what? If not then what is your environment like when you work?
Peter Adamyan: I listen to a lot of old american folk music, soul music, droney reverb filled music as well. I also watch a lot of Star Trek and documentaries.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any living artist who would it be and why?
Peter Adamyan: Ron English, because I think he and I share a lot of the same values in art.
1xRun: If you could collaborate with any deceased artists who would it be and why?
Peter Adamyan: Caravaggio, just to learn from him.
1xRun: What was the first piece of art that you bought? Do you still have it?
Peter Adamyan: Probably a drawing by my buddy Big Tasty, of course I still have it.
1xRun: What was the last piece of art that you bought?
Peter Adamyan: Since moving out of my mothers house I don’t really buy artwork but I recently did a trade with Casey Weldon.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Peter Adamyan: Instagram@peteradamyan – Facebook
-1xRUN