Artist Bio
Wilba Simson’s (b. 1990) artistic practice incorporates painting, drawing, sculpture and videoed performance, exploring unconventional art processes that challenge the way we see memory. The work explores the chaotic tensions, contradictions and beauty of liminal spaces through imagined landscapes. An exploration of memory, personal history and performance, Simson questions the way in which we relate to and see our past to how it could be seen in the present. Simson believes, Like memories, communication is imperfect. Clarity is never neat in its definition. Chaos is the natural state. So imperfect communication becomes the perfect vehicle to communicate imperfect memories. The best metaphor for this unknowingness for him is light. Using light to explore how the landscape can be seen and at the same time how it can blow out one’s perspective. Lasering streams of light brand the movement of what happened, or is about to. The disconnect of the neon white light chaotically cuts through the stability of its ground plains formal likeness.
Simson creates art processes of contradiction to challenge the visual outcome and perspective of seeing memory. On one hand a process that creates a world of familiarity with floor boards and other identifiable signifiers; and on the other hand a process that is designed to abstract and challenge the forma processes material likeness.
Exhibitions
Hattrick Summer Group Show, Rusha & Co. LA, August 2023
Dallas Art Fair, Rusha & Co. Gallery LA, April 2023
Art Basil, 2022 Miami CHUBB Booth
Daniel Raphael Gallery, Go Figure 2022
Guy Regal Gallery 200 Lexington Ave, Suite 806, New York 2022-2023
The Armory Show, New Yorks Art Show Guy Regal Gallery, 2022
Guy Regal Gallery, Booth at San Francisco Fall Show 2022
Art Basil, 2021 Miami CHUBB Booth
In City Lights, Pop Up, 2020 101 Franklin St, New York
The Bud Street Group Collective, 2016 Melbourne, Australia, House of Bricks
The New York Academy of Art MFA Thesis Exhibition - 2021
Spread the Light NYC-101 Franklyn - 2021
SURP Group Show at The New York Academy of Art - 2018
House of Bricks ‘Summer lights Studio Collective - 2017
Awards
Chubb Fellowship New York Academy of Art - 2021-2022
Runner up for the Peguine Book Prize for best folio, 2013
Hardi-Grant Publication award for Best Publication - 2013
KW Dogett Paper Second year best Folio - 2010
Notable Collectors
Eric Fischl
Stuart Holt
Taurisano Collection
Teaching & Speaking
New York Academy of Art, Painting IV teaching assistant to Margret Bowland 2022
Speaking, CHUBB Fellowship Galla, hosted by New York Academy of Art Chairman Elaine Guggenheim, Cast Hall, 2022
New York Academy of Art, Painting III teaching assistant to Margret Bowland 2021