Leo Berk (born 1973) considers the effects of the built environment on our senses, psychology and development. In his most recent body of work, the artist returned to the landmark building in which he grew up and which influenced his artistic trajectory: Bruce Goff’s Ford Residence, in Aurora, Illinois. Self-taught and visionary, Bruce Goff created an organic and site-specific contemporary architecture that defied convention and tradition. Beautiful to look at, the house could be challenging to live in as lack of insulation allowed for extreme temperatures inside the structure. Berk’s memories of these physical challenges led to an exploration of the many ways in which aspects of this home prompted a sensory response, which is reflected in the works. Although the pieces seem abstract at first glance, each is connected to a structural part of the house.
Waking to His Dream, 2011, Leo Berk, American, b. 1973, veneer, 60 x 60 x 18 in. (c) Leo Berk, Photo: Leo Berk.