1xRUN Thru Interview
United Tastes Of America by Jon Burgerman
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale?
Jon Burgerman: The original is a paper flag I made during the 2014 football world cup to support the American team. The first edition of this flag was with a burger and fries but the fries didn’t quite look right in red, so I turned them into bacon. I don’t eat bacon but I understand everyone who does really loves it. The original is available for sale if someone wants to make a sensible offer for it, I’m reluctant to give it way for cheap! At the moment it’s on display in my studio in Brooklyn (you can see it below!), alongside these prints though however there are lots of pieces of original artwork available here!
1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent theme that you had?
Jon Burgerman: I decided to make flags for each game of the world cup I watched. I love the game of football but hate the business side of it. I wanted to spread my support for different countries and feel more like a global citizen, without any political or geographical ties. That’s the greatest gift football and other sports can offer, they can genuinely bring disparate people together for play.
1xRUN: What materials did you use to create this piece?
Jon Burgerman: It was originally drawn with Posca pens on paper in the summer of 2014. The flag was completed with an un-used drinking straw.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Jon Burgerman: I wanted to re-imagine flags of the world and have a playful reference to that country within the design of the flag.
1xRun: How long did the piece take?
Jon Burgerman: Not too long at all.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Jon Burgerman: I think it’s the first time the American flag has been represented by a burger and stripes of fried bacon.
1xRun: Why should people buy this print?
Jon Burgerman: Because it’s a fun and funny piece and if you are American it’s your patriotic duty to get one of these prints!
1xRun: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Jon Burgerman: Baconburger.
1xRun: It’s been a bit since we caught up and it seems like you’ve been keeping busy, bring us up to speed on what you’ve been up to since our last release?
Jon Burgerman: I’ve been working hard in my Brooklyn studio on a variety of things including a couple of books, a couple of animations, new clothing designs and paintings of guns. I’ve also been traveling a lot, giving lectures and workshops at events and festivals around the world.
1xRun: Any shows or exhibitions you were a part of that you want to mention?
Jon Burgerman: I’ve taken some time off from exhibitions this year to concentrate on my other projects. I’ve had work in some nice group shows but I’ve not had any solo shows in 2014.
1xRun: You have always had your work on a lot of different mediums from fine art to merchandise to clothing and tons of other things, are you partial to anyone over the other or do they all work together in harmony?
Jon Burgerman: I hope they all work and make sense together and building up a convincing picture of my world. I love that someone might have a painting of mine, and then can wear some shoes with my work on and then turn on their computer and have it as the desktop wallpaper. I really am thrilled that my work can become part of the fabric of someone’s life. That is my goal and all having my work exist in all these different media helps me inch towards achieving it.
1xRun: You divide time between New York City and London, how do you feel that has influenced your style and helped shape you as an artist?
Jon Burgerman: I guess it gives me a more rounded notion on what’s going on. It’s good to travel and be in different places and be exposed to new stuff. Since being in America more I’ve become fascinated with the culture and also with the perceived culture from outside. I’m an insider and an outsider at the same time. So burgers, guns, girls, celebrity and pizza are forms that have become more prominent in my practice.
1xRun: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Jon Burgerman: Not really, but look out for my recent collabs here.. Nooka – Print All Over Me
1xRun: Where can we find you?
Jon Burgerman: Website – Shop – Youtube + Twitter + Tumblr + Instagram @jonburgerman
-1xRUN