Satellite Events

Intrinsic Archetypes refers to the universal patterns that reside in the natural world and how we can transform them into unique figures. This exhibition brings together artists Gregory Brellochs and Jonathan Stemler to understand their one of a kind archetypes, inspired from elements of organic matter and earthly materials. In Gregory’s illustrations, we are presented with familiar concepts of biology that leave the viewer to examine and ponder on the detailed complexing of these unknown organisms. In Jonathan’s sculpture, they provide a more playful approach, combining stone and wood to create these insightful abstract figures that create a visual conversation with each other. 

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About the Artists: 

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Gregory Brellochs

"My work is inspired by my interest in, and appreciation for, science and the respective fields of biology, cognitive science, and theoretical physics. In addition to being an avid Cosmos, Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Human Planet consumer, I’ve enjoyed reading books such as Chaos (James Gleick), The Elegant Universe, and The Hidden Reality (Brian Greene), Mind in Science (Richard L. Gregory), and Consciousness (Christof Koch), and What a Plant Knows (Daniel Chamovitz). Such subjects both amaze and challenge my understanding of the world around me. My art is an attempt to create visual allegories, imagining, ‘How might this idea or that scientific concept look if it were to be made observable?’

The lines of inquiry that have captured my interest and imagination most are linked to the following ideas: Evolutionary biology and the study of the genome reveal common heritage. From our nearest primate ancestors to the most primitive bacteria, each organism has a percentage of its genes in common. In other words, all biological life on Earth is expressed in a common, programmed language (what are genes other than code written in organic materials?). Theoretical physics presents us with the concept of Planck-length ‘strings’ that must somehow interact in order to create ever larger amalgamations of energy resulting in the physical universe we perceive. Ultimately, out of this chaotic soup of brute matter we must be able to account for the emergence of self-replicating organisms and their corresponding levels of consciousness. Similarly, intelligence and the theory of panpsychism beg the question, is intelligence, in its most rudimentary form simply the byproduct of the organization of physical matter? Is intelligence an emergent characteristic inherent in any highly organized system?

I find that the immediate and direct process of drawing serves as a means by which I can reflect on such questions and entertain concepts that seek to explore the fundamental nature of things. I also see image-making as a way of creating not just a physical relationship to abstract concepts, but a sensual and emotional one as well. I want my work to be felt, not just intellectualized. I want the subjects that I am exploring to resonate with the viewer on a basic visceral level while simultaneously encouraging them to ponder a layer of reality that exists beyond the immediate senses. Perhaps, most importantly of all, I want my work to capture a sense of awe, reverence, and adoration for nature, and through that, hopefully, help foster both inquisitiveness and a subsequent sense of respect and stewardship for the natural world."

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Jonathan Stemler 

"For years now I have been trying to develop a kind of visual language. Finding constants, universal truths and attempting to create a rich contextual environment. Establishing type and archetype where objects, shapes and drawings become more than simple metaphor and start to become wholly developed conversation. The work needs to be approachable, easy to the viewer and one should never feel unqualified to have an opinion about it."

Jon lives in Montgomery County with his wife Kimberly and their three sons. He owns and runs a manufacturing facility in Perkasie, PA and for 16 years was a consultant for a movable bridge engineering firm. In addition to creating his own art, Jon invents “machines” to assist artists in their installations. He also designs, fabricates, and installs large-scale work for other artists.

Most of his work is playful; it is significant, thoughtful and beautiful. Accessibility both intellectually and artistically for all audiences is extremely important to him. Both Jon and the work are absent of loftiness, condescension, and pretense. Instead, one finds both the artist and his creations to be simultaneously powerful and humble.

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