Saturday, June 30, 2012

PRESS RELEASE: Aaron Stein Exhibits at Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace in Burlington


Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace on Flynn Avenue in Burlington is pleased to announce an exhibition entitled Junkyard Treasure in July 2012 of work from Vermont artist Aaron Stein, who creates assemblages from found objects. The exhibition opens with a reception on First Friday, July 6th from 5-8pm, and runs through the month of July. Vintage Inspired is located at 180 Flynn Avenue, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sunday from 12pm to 4pm and closed Mondays.

Vermont artist Aaron Stein is a passionate motor-head struggling to accept that the "Golden Age of the Automobile" has past. To Stein, that alluring golden age viewed through a rear view mirror informs his current work, which incorporates found objects such as toys, tarnished chrome, cast iron, rust, and vintage license plates to tell stories, depicting the impact car culture has on contemporary life.

Stein draws inspiration from the Surrealist and Dada movements- particularly Marcel Duchamp, the organized chaos of Edward Klineholtz, Robert Rauschenberg, Arman, and his favorite artist, Joesph Cornell. In an artist statement, Stein states, “they have all shown me how to tell my stories using provocative assemblages. I feel compelled to produce my work, almost like an obsession. My constructs are created from common objects that combine to express a very personal view. Having worked in many mediums, and enjoyed each one, I feel fortunate to have discovered the freedom of assemblages and constructions. Drawing, painting, sculpting, collecting found objects, photography, wood and metal working, buying toys, wrecking toys- all are now part of my creative process. All my glass, plywood, metal, and most other materials I have scavenged because it is important to me to reuse material wherever possible.”

Aaron has exhibited his work all over the region, and regularly sells his assemblages at local art and craft shows, including the Burlington City Arts Artist Market on Saturdays in City Hall Park. Find more information about the artist’s work at www.revivalstudio.com/.

Images: 59 Heavy Metal, 6" x 12" x 3", cast iron, 2012; Any time now, 15" x 18" x 4", working turntable, paint, toy car, 2000 & 2012