Anne Percoco

ARTISTS RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Anne Percoco

ARTIST STATEMENT

The relationship between myself and my surroundings is one of the driving forces behind my practice. Rebecca Solnit wrote that “environmental problems are really cultural problems.” I’m interested in unearthing those cultural blindspots that promote a dysfunctional relationship to the environment.
I make art not by creating something new, but by reorganizing what’s already there. I primarily use found materials that are widely considered to be worthless, such as plastic bottles, tree branches, cardboard, and phone books. I make full use of each material’s unique sculptural properties as well as its historical, cultural, and environmental resonances.

My process is resourceful, responsive, and playful. I spend as much time exploring, scavenging for materials, and researching as I do making. I make both public and gallery-based work, and I learn different things from each.

BIOGRAPHY

After earning my M.F.A. from Rutgers University in 2008, I completed a fellowship with the Asian Cultural for research and production of new work in India. I’ve presented solo shows at Chitrakala Parishath College of Art (Bangalore, India) as well as NURTUREart and A.I.R. Gallery (both in Brooklyn). As a recent alumni of the Bronx Museum’s A.I.M. Program, I’ll take part in the Biennial next summer. I live and work in Jersey City.

Kilmer Shrines, Site 5; site-specific project in Piscataway, New Jersey;
wood & found materials; 2 x 2 x 3.5’,2007-8.

Indra’s Cloud; site-specific performance in Vrindavan, India;
plastic water bottles, plastic rope, boat; 8 x 6 x 14′; 2008.

Field Studies; collage from NY and NJ phone books;
14 x 8.75”; 2011.

The Life Instinct; found materials including three chairs, a bike rack, styrofoam, cardboard, string, tape, woven reeds, tree branches, cloth, the top of a garbage can, egg cartons, paper, plastic bags, CDs, and cushions;
9 x 9 x 9′; 2012.