Over the years the work of Robyn Geddes has dealt with unorthodox materials and surface texture. Influenced by Judy Pfaff’s installations of industrial plastic at Holly Solomon in the late 70’s, Geddes started working directly on plexiglass and sand paper. In addition, Geddes was also taken by the haphazard surfaces found in
demolition and construction sites. These observations on material would later lead to his works with cement.
In Santa Barbara the artist worked for an environmental building company specializing in making custom paints and wall finishes. From this experience with
materials Geddes was able to formulate unique surfaces integrating such diverse materials as cements, plasters, paints and various polymers. Free from traditional
presentation and imagery the new works were created to mimic accidental and uncalculated results.
From 1978-1983, Geddes was a studio assistant to Andy Warhol. From the factory he went on to learn lithography with Steve Andersen at Vermillion Editions in
Minneapolis and serigraphy with Rupert Smith in New York. In 1989 Geddes became the director of Daniel Newburg Gallery in New York working with Matthew
McCaslin and Rudolph Stingel among others.
Geddes has exhibited steadily since the 1980s with solo shows in New York, Houston, Minneapolis, Santa Barbara and the U.K. His first one-person show in New York was held at the legendary Mudd Club in 1981. His most recent solo exhibitions include “Salsipuedes Street” at Manhattan’s Gerald Peters Gallery and “Homing Instinct” at Santa Barbara’s Cabana Home. Recent group shows include “FLOCK, Birds on the Brink” at Lotusland and “Black and White” at Downing -Yudain.
Collections include The Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Geddes’ bird works can be found at: robyngeddesart.net