EP 014: ROBERT BUCK

Image Culture

In 2008 Robert Beck became Robert Buck. He did this in response to an idea that in a state of hypermodernity the status of the Name-of-the-Father had been fundamentally shaken. In its absence as a universal, he says, each of us must invent our own, be it knowingly, explicitly or intuitively. Robert changed his by the exchange of a single vowel. It was a work that marked a major turning point in his life and practice.

I met with Robert at his studio in New York on the occasion of his recent back to back solo shows at Ulterior Gallery. The first, Vestige, premieres a collection of staged Kodak Instant photographs made in the early 80’s during Robert’s first years in New York. The second show, entitled Second Hand, presents Buck’s ongoing series of amended thrift-store paintings, a body of work he began to coincide with the changing of his father’s name.

You can see my portrait of Robert in his studio at www.williamjesslaird.com/imageculture as well as on Instagram @william.jess.laird or @image.culture

You can find more information on Robert Buck at https://www.robertbuck.net/ and http://www.ulteriorgallery.com/

Special thanks to Takako Tanabe and the team at Ulterior. This show is produced by Sarah Levine and our music is by Jack and Eliza. If you like the show consider leaving a rating, a review or sharing it with a friend. Thanks for listening.