Erik Laffer

Background

Erik Laffer, hailing from Upstate New York, is a self-taught artist who began his career by traveling from his home in Albany to the vibrant streets of SoHo, New York. There, amidst dozens of other unrepresented artists, he sold his artwork directly to passersby – tourist and seasoned collector alike – often sleeping out of his car on weekends to pursue his passion. Much of Laffer’s earlier work was heavily influenced by the many styles and personalities he encountered in the SoHo district during that time. Equally, the relationships formed during those years helped to create and define a vision for his future.

Fueled by gritty determination, a relentless work ethic, and a commitment to his craft, Laffer soon developed a passionate collector base and began to focus more on formal gallery exhibitions. With an unyielding dedication to his work and a deep commitment to the community of artists he met along the way, Laffer soon found himself needing a home base. This led to the creation of the eponymous Laffer Gallery, a fine art and custom framing gallery located in Schuylerville, NY. With his friends and family at his side, Laffer has created a Saratoga-area hub for both emerging and established artists. Respecting his humble beginnings, the inaugural exhibition of The Laffer Gallery in the Summer of 2012 was titled “SoHo Artists” and included three artists who played a pivotal role in his early career: Guillermo Barreto, Tracy Barbosa, and Yuta Ishino.

Capturing the Digital Essence

Erik Laffer is an artist whose work immerses viewers in a world where the digital realm intersects our daily lives. His primary, overarching theme revolves around the digital world, with many of his pieces evoking the nostalgic imagery of old television static. This distinctive approach not only showcases his technical ability but also his conceptual depth, offering a fresh perspective on the integration of digital aesthetics into contemporary art.

Laffer’s style is characterized by his masterful use of lines, textures, and layers to create complex yet harmonious compositions. His work often features horizontal and vertical striations that mimic the visual noise of a lost signal from an analog display of a bygone era, symbolizing the disruption and fragmentation inherent in the modern digital age.

Laffer’s palette ranges from serene blues and purples to striking metallics and fiery reds, used to enhance the thematic elements of his work. The metallic textures and reflective qualities of some pieces add a three-dimensional effect, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the artwork’s layered complexity. The juxtaposition of warm and cool tones creates a dynamic tension, further emphasizing the duality and contrast present in the digital landscape.

The recurring motif of television static in Laffer’s work serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It invokes a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, reminding viewers of a time when technology – and perhaps life itself – was simpler. Yet, it also challenges them to consider the current state of our digital existence, marked by constant connectivity and fleeting moments of clarity amidst the chaos.

Erik Laffer’s artwork is a compelling blend of digital and traditional influences, offering viewers a unique perspective on the modern world’s complexities. His distinctive style challenges viewers to engage with the digital aesthetic in a new light. As technology continues to evolve, Laffer’s work remains a poignant reminder that amidst the noise and static, there is beauty and meaning to be found.