New York, NY (Top40 Charts) BBAM! Gallery is proud to present the first ever major gallery exhibition by Robb Reiner, best known as the drummer for iconic metal band,
Anvil (re-discovered by millions thanks to the movie,
Anvil - The Story of Anvil). Painting had always been a private refuge for Robb, something shared only with an inner circle, until he was encouraged to show his work during the filming for the movie. As the head of promotion at
Attic Records, I had known Robb since the beginning (I was their publicist) and was stunned by what I saw on screen. How could he have hidden this other talent for so long?
Years later, I opened a rock'n'roll art gallery and reached out.
Robb does not sell his work - was this going to be a problem? No.
This is a rare opportunity for fans and art lovers to see the paintings up close and off the screen. It is a sampling of a greater body of work; images that we feel cover the broad range of Robb Reiner's artistry. It is also an opportunity to test the waters in terms of response, logistics, and feedback; in anticipation of more exhibits around the world. It's just a matter of time.
But for now, during this exclusive limited engagement; the doors to Robb's world are open and Robb Reiner himself will be here at the opening vernissage to meet folks, answer questions; but most of all to present his visual world of calmness, solitude and introspection.
- Ralph Alfonso, BBAM! Gallery
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Robert Geza Reiner (April 22, 1958) is known for his masterpieces of desolate and desperate settings. As the iconic drummer in the legendary Canadian metal band ANVIL, Robb Reiner's lifestyle outside of painting is, in most cases, a very loud and busy existence. His love affair with the canvas brings peace and quiet to an otherwise chaotic existence. One day he's behind his drum kit playing for over 80,000 screaming fans, and the very next day, Reiner is sitting in his art studio, alone, a brush in hand, creating an image of stillness. Walking in his shoes, taking the path of two extremes, Mr. Reiner's perspective in life brings a fresh and unexplored world that only he lives in; he doesn't want to apply any established rules - he only wants to be faithful to his impression.
The way Robb Reiner works to create a painting is also very unique. Reiner travels around the world (on tour with Anvil) and takes photographs of interesting subjects. Between tours, while life in his world is isolated and quiet, the archives of research material (photographs) are re-visited. Reiner finds what he can work with and bases the painting that he will be creating on compositional potential that is established when the photo is shot; sketches are made on paper, and the sketch will determine if the painting will work or not; then the creation process commences. The photographs are never copied; they are only used for compositional inspiration, and are "custom made" to Reiner's vision. All paintings are simplified from the actual photo (ie. removing people - never adding anything). Robb Reiner paints 3 canvases a year and each one takes months from beginning to completion. The first step is a creation of the under-painting, and then the colors are drawn in. Reiner enjoys painting while listening to his music playlist that is an assortment of the greatest psychedelic rock, heavy rock, music from the 60s and 70s.
Robb Reiner has turned down many gallery offers as all inquiries have come with the stipulation to sell his paintings. Reiner is happier to exhibit his canvases for art lovers worldwide - without a price tag. To satisfy one aspect of ownership, he has issued 2013 and 2014 Art Calendars - each of which sold out initial print runs in record time. The 2015 Art Calendar will be available at BBAM! during his exhibition.
CRITICAL APPRECIATION:
The brilliance and genius of Robb Reiner's artwork is his ability to capture humanity with the absence of the human. The human element comes through the human spirit and what the human creates, just as the spirit of the creator comes through what it creates, such as the earth and stars. This allows the observer to create their own experience when viewing a Robb Reiner painting.
Is that just a seat in a theatre, or did Alfred Hitchcock watch the premiere of Pyscho and years later, in that very seat, did
Sasha Gervasi watch that same movie and become inspired to become a director himself? The observer can create the story and be the navigator with their own imagination; and it is also as simple as "I just like that painting".
There is also a peacefulness and stillness that is quite calming when viewing a Robb Reiner painting; perfect for the room you come home to relax and unwind in. Robb welcomes you to come along his journey and experience his art not just as a viewer, but as a collector, you may have the opportunity to meet him personally at a local Gallery, or possibly be a promoter of a Robb Reiner Gala.
- Gary Lee Braniff
BBAM! Schedule:
https://www.facebook.com/bbamgallery/events
