Erik Richard Parra, born 1975

Lives and works in San Francisco, CA

Statement:

In MARVELS OF CONSTRUCTION, Parra blurs the fine line between wonder and folly in human ingenuity. The works are meticulously constructed digital images that are part textbook illustration and part civil engineering dreamscapes that analyze the product of human invention. MARVELS OF CONSTRUCTION questions whether human creativity has built a utopia or created something disastrous and inescapable. This idea is then compunded by the digital (non-physical) aspect of the works. The concept remains caught between the dream and physical manifestation.

Bio:

Erik Richard Parra was born and raised in a suburban Texas. He attended The University of Texas at Austin where he studied painting and received a Bachelor of Fine Art. He went on to receive his Master of Fine Art, from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, while on fellowship. In his relatively young career he has exhibited in numerous places, including Brazil, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. He has also lectured at universities, been granted residencies and awards. Erik has recently moved his studio back to San Francisco in order to help develop Fivepoints Arthouse, an artist run alternative exhibition space.

erikparra.com