bio
“Paul Cooper has a bent for manipulating readymades, processes and perceptions. Using his engineering expertise, everyday objects are re-imagined into what-ifs and why-nots. It could be a microwave oven that only operates when the door is open or the violin that is played by a vinyl record while spinning on a turntable. Putting it simply, his exhibitions are mischievous and absurd. Cooper then takes his manipulation concepts a step further by exploring man-machine relationships through his hybrid prints and paintings that are constructed using a combination of traditional and contemporary materials and methods. Cooper’s art works are immersive and often include a participatory element with offbeat, yet unavoidable instructions exposing today’s fast-paced latest-craze next-best-thing as something to grasp with both hands.”
education
Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours,First Class), Sydney College of the Arts University of Sydney Graduated 2018
SCA Director’s Honours Student Award
Diploma of Visual Arts, Sydney Gallery School NSI Meadowbank TAFE Graduated 2014
exhibitions
Group Show “Love Letter – Magic”, 541 Art Space, Sydney CBD. September 2019
Solo Show “For Two Weeks Only”, The Cranny, AIRSpace Projects, Marrickville. February 2019
Group Show “FERMENT”, Articulate Performance Space, Leichhardt, January 2019
Group Show “University of Sydney Graduate Degree Show”, SCA Galleries, Rozelle, November 2018
Group Show: “Constant Craving – In A Material World” Eramboo Artist Environment, Terrrey Hills, May-June 2018
Group Show: ” A Novel Script: Text as an Expanded Medium” Verge Gallery, Darlington, February 2018
… Solo Show: “Noise Works” Dedspace Gallery, Rozelle, June 2017
Group Show: “Experimentum”, The Bevery, Camperdown, March 2017
Solo Show: “Black & White Also” Dedspace Gallery, Rozelle, November 2016
Solo Show: “Black & White” Dedspace Gallery, Rozelle, April 2016
Finalist: Hornsby Art Prize, 2015
Group Show: See Street Gallery, Meadowbank, 2014
Finalist: Hidden Sculpture Walk, Rookwood Cemetery, 2014
performed for
Tino Seghal in This Is So Contemporary, p/o Making Art Public at Art Gallery of NSW, 2019
Super Critical Mass in 24 Hour Choir, Art and About Rotunda on Observatory Hill 2017
Super Critical Mass in Actions and Games, Art and About Martin Place Sydney 2015
Super Critical Mass in Actions and Games, Art and About State Library Sydney 2015
Marina Abramovic in Artist in Residence, Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay, 2015
Super Critical Mass in Sonic Social, MCA Circular Quay, 2014
Mel O’Callagahan in Parade, BOS19 Cockatoo Is, 2014
Tino Seghal in This Is So Contemporary, Art Gallery of NSW, 2014
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artist statement
Modifying and re-imaging objects, technology and materials regularly play a central part in my art practice. Although it did not begin as an intention, I lean heavily on my electrical engineering qualifications and experience when considering and constructing my artworks. My inner-engineer is always seeking out new ways to view, use and abuse objects, technology and materials.
Nothing is sacred. Objects, materials or even descriptions are all fair game when it comes to my art practice. If there is an alternative view-point, an unconventional method or unexpected combination, I will be there. Turning a camera from a device that takes a picture to one that makes a picture feels comfortable to me.