Pete Nelson

Pete Nelson’s sculptural practice explores architecture, memory, and systems of belief. Most recently, Nelson constructed a sculpture that resembled a building façade, but functioned as an elaborate diorama representing social and psychological addictions. For the exhibition at Langton, Nelson plans to create an installation using the building and gallery space as his medium, continuing an exploration of the links between the evocative power of architectonic spaces, and the expanding possibility of sculpture. His residency will explore ideas around the concept of “foundation” both as stable ground supporting a structure, and a psychological metaphor relating to the unseen groundwork of morality and social expectation.

Pete Nelson’s solo shows include Ain’t no party like a holy ghost party, Blank Space, Oakland (2007); Vespa Haus, Sacramento (2003); and Akimbo Gallery, Sacramento (2002). Recent group exhibitions include Cult Classics, Not Best Sellers, Queens Nails Annex, San Francisco (2007); Musée D’Honneur Minuscule, New Langton Arts, San Francisco (2006); American Mythology II, Oliver Art Center, Oakland (2006); Five Habitats: Squatting at Langton, New Langton Arts, San Francisco (2006); Event Horizon, Transmissions Gallery, Berkeley (2006); Flaming Sword of Truth, Berkeley Art Museum, Berkeley (2006); Peeing in the Sand Box, mixedUSE Gallery, San Francisco (2005); Hite Art Gallery, Louisville, KY (2001); and 953 Gallery, Louisville, KY (2000). Nelson received the Headlands Center for the Arts’ MFA award residency (2006) and the Anchor Fellow U.C.B Art Practice (2005). He lives and works in Oakland.