Heidi Brueckner
You know we love combining painting and multimedia! Heidi Brueckner's work is an immersive exploration of narrative-filled portraits, full of color, bold patterns, and intricate textures. With over two decades as an art professor at West Valley College and a rich academic background, her art not only captivates and inspires students, curators, and collectors. From whimsical collections like "Monsterbet" to prestigious awards and solo exhibitions nationwide, Brueckner's talent shines brightly. Her work transcends mere accolades, advocating for humanity's celebration and equality. Through innovative use of recycled materials, she champions environmental consciousness, creating visually stunning pieces conveying a message of hope and unity. We hope you enjoy her work as much as we do!
Originally from California, Brueckner began her artistic journey in the late 1980s, studying at the University of Heidelberg and The Goethe Institute in Germany. This pivotal period exposed her to the masterpieces of European museums and ignited a profound affinity for 20th-century German art, which continues to influence her work. Brueckner's academic journey culminated in a double major, with a BA in Fine Art and a BA in Art History from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1991. She further honed her craft by earning an MFA in Painting from the University of Kansas in 1997.In 2018, she unveiled "Monsterbet," a whimsical collection of satirical paintings that playfully parodies children's alphabet books. Her work has been showcased globally, featured in prestigious museums, galleries, colleges, and publications. Her exceptional talent has garnered numerous accolades and scholarships.
Despite the pandemic, 2020-2021 marked a pinnacle in her career, as Brueckner secured a remarkable 12 first-place awards, including the esteemed Italian International Prisma Art Prize and the Faber Birren Color Award. Her participation in over 100 juried group shows and 15 solo or small group exhibitions, along with her recognition as a finalist for the 2022 7th Edition Boynes Emerging Artist Award, solidifies her standing in the art world. Her work has garnered critical acclaim from publications like Art Seen Magazine, All She Makes Magazine, and Visionary Art Collective, among others.
In 2022-23, Brueckner's solo exhibitions graced galleries across the United States, from Flint, MI to Mill Valley, CA. The future holds even greater promise, with upcoming solo exhibitions scheduled in various locations from 2023-25. In August 2023, she participated in the Wildacres Artists Residency in Little Switzerland, North Carolina, adding another layer to her illustrious career. She lives and works in Oakland, California, continuing to leave an indelible mark on the world of art.
Brueckner shares:
Inherently, we are interested in observing others as a way of understanding ourselves. My work is inspired by this curiosity and allows the viewer to participate. These works are individualistic narratives which explore personage through self-presentation, facial expressions, and gesture. They often inspect the under-revered, and appreciate the subject’s presence and dignity, giving pause to honor the person.
The aesthetic is assertive and the color is divorced from naturalism. Skin color is therefore eliminated which for me this is metaphorical for the hope that society aspires to, and achieves equality among races and other kinds of human differences. The work is meant to honor the entirety of humanity—not just one section of the population or kind of person.
With some of these works, I've been experimenting with texture and the physical quality of the surface through using alternative recycled materials such as pieced-together bubble mailers and paper bags. I've found them to be exciting and sturdy surfaces and believe these media add a uniquely interesting and environmentally friendly component to the work.
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