Jeff Repko
Location: South of the Historic Downtown Square on South St.
My fascination with the industrial era stems from growing up in the Rust Belt, where I constantly saw the ruins of industry within the landscape. The rusted and corroded structures were mesmerizing to me, as exposed parts and systems allowed me to imagine what they were and what they could be. I find a sense of honesty in the analog machinery of that time, as it was simpler and more tangible compared to today’s modern technology, which often appears alien and abstract to me.This inspires my studio practice, where, using a mix of traditional and digital fabrication techniques, I recreate the sense of wonder and play that captivated me as a child. My works consist of multiple components designed with reference to past industry, but they have an ambiguous identity and function, leaving room for the viewer’s interpretation and imagination. Through vibrant colors, the industrial feel is obscured, emphasizing the toy-like quality and playful design.
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