From New York to Beijing, Fashion Design to Hyper-Materialism - The Intriguing Tale of an Artist's Evolution

Seoul, South Korea - American artist Robert Crooks made a notable appearance at KIAF Seoul 2023 in partnership with Hong Kong's renowned art collective, The Spectacle Group. His striking creations, skillfully crafted through a fusion of mixed media and collage techniques, served as powerful representations of the American flag. These captivating artworks drew the attention of a diverse and enthusiastic Asian audience that flocked to the exhibition booth.

During his time at the event, Robert Crooks engaged in a comprehensive interview with SayArt, delving into the intricate details of his work. 

▲ White, collage on wood, 60x120x10cm, 2017,Photo by SayArt Sims Green.

Robert Crooks, hailing from the vibrant artistic scene of New York, is a distinguished expressionist collage artist. His creative journey is deeply intertwined with his background as a former fashion designer, which has cultivated a unique style characterized by what he terms 'hyper-materialism.' Within this distinctive approach, Crooks employs a rich palette of vibrant colors that electrify his artworks.

While his roots may be in the Big Apple, Crooks' artistic upbringing also encompasses his formative years spent in the culturally rich locales of Beijing and Hong Kong. It's within these bustling urban landscapes that his works find a profound source of inspiration. His artistic expressions bear the indelible mark of Chinese art, particularly evident in his iconic cityscapes. In these magnificent creations, Crooks masterfully employs techniques reminiscent of traditional Chinese landscape paintings, resulting in works that often boast grand scales, capturing the essence of his artistic vision.

▲ Artist Robert Crooks stands in front of his masterpiece during an interview with SayArt at the Kiaf Seoul. Photo by SayArt Sims Green.

He is also renowned for his persistent desire to break free from the competitive world of fashion design. This yearning often finds expression in his artworks, where he frequently places himself amidst maritime settings. These captivating scenes come to life through a clever amalgamation of fashion magazine cutouts, some dating as far back as the 1940s, seamlessly blended with locally-sourced materials. This deliberate choice emphasizes the origins of his creations, resulting in a distinctive fusion of both English and Chinese influences.

The outcome is a truly unique artistic tapestry. Robert Crooks has garnered a global following of collectors spanning cities like Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, Florida, New Jersey, and Istanbul. He once shared his profound connection to the color blue, likening it to the preciousness of platinum, as it forms the very foundation of the skies. In his artistic process, the magazines themselves serve as sacred materials, telling a narrative more compelling than any he could draw. As he has explained, his creative world is built purely on the art of collage, representing a 100% dedication to this captivating medium.

▲ Untitle,mixed media and collage on wood, 244x137x15cm, 2016, Photo by Sims Green.KIAF Seoul 2023 is ongoing at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, and will run until September 10th. You can find Robert Crooks' captivating booth at B16.
 

Sayart.net
Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com 

Sims Green, sims010@naver.com