The exhibition “Construct/Destruct” by artist Steve Banks is on display through April 30, 2021 at the Beréskin Gallery & Art Academy in Bettendorf. Featuring large-scale mixed media works or “painted constructions” as well as smaller ceramic sculptures, the artist weaves together architectural, industrial, and road trip images in an homage to our past – what once was, and what has been repurposed. Examining the leaning, tilting towers of his ceramic works or carefully inspecting the layered images on his paintings, the viewer is forced to examine the transient nature of our current existence and to acknowledge the physical spaces of the past which we continue to inhabit.
Listen to the conversation here with Steve Banks about the inspiration behind this latest body of work, the intentional ambiguity and playful distortion of reality that he infuses into his art, and the joy inherent in living an active, creative life.
The Beréskin Gallery & Art Academy is located at 2967 State St. in Bettendorf. Hours are Tues-Fri 10 AM - 5:30 PM and Sat 10 AM – 4 PM or by appointment.
