BFA alumnus’s local gallery show ‘Altar of Commerce’ probes consequences of globalization

UMSL Daily

The work of St. Louis-based artist and teacher Bryan Robertson, who earned his undergraduate degree from UMSL in 2012, includes large-scale paintings as well as digital collages. His 2016 oil painting “Played” measures more than 12 feet in width and is among the pieces that will be on display from July 22 to Aug. 26 at the Cathy Gregory Studio Gallery. (Images courtesy of Bryan Robertson)
Bryan Robertson’s maps of the world look strangely recognizable – despite considerable departures from cartographical norms.
Instead of the typical place names and color blocks, each landmass appears as a cluster of overlapping images. Borders within the African continent frame diamonds and oil wells, while the familiar trademarks of leading companies dominate North America.
“The G7 nations are all represented by corporate logos, and they’re also broken down into states,” Robertson explains. “So Missouri is the Budweiser logo, and then Washington state is Microsoft.”
Those selections are by design, and they speak to Robertson’s longtime interests in both politics and art – the results of which will be in the spotlight this summer. A local gallery is showcasing the University of Missouri–St. Louis graduate’s work from July 22 to Aug. 26.
That opportunity came about unexpectedly, like many welcome occasions in Robertson’s life.
The UMSL alumnus’s interests in politics, international relations and questions arising within a commodity-driven world are reflected in a series of digital collages titled “Superpower.”
Last year, while wrapping up his MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Washington and aggressively seeking teaching jobs, the St. Louis native landed an adjunct faculty position at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri. He knew he’d need additional work as well, and so he began reaching out to galleries in the St. Louis region to offer his services.
He eventually heard back from the Cathy Gregory Studio Gallery – located in south city’s Shaw ...

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