Of his latest work, Bruggeman writes,
“The paintings in this exhibit exploit the dramatic effect of fading light and a low horizon. They are meditations on a contemporary landscape that is inspired by what the artist Anish Kapoor calls “that kind of Romantic tradition of the sublime and deep space that is a moment of wonder”.  

He continues, “Like many artists who have explored the sublime, my paintings acknowledge our role as spectators in the heightened experience of a dramatic or catastrophic event. From the explosive demolition of a power plant to a fiery air-show accident, these paintings attempt to create a sense of awe, fear and wonder. Edmund Burke described the sublime as a careful balance between pain and enjoyment, making it “a sort of delightful horror”. The imaginary events that happen in these paintings are images that attract our attention because in them we see that our own lives are brief and the landmarks of our existence transient.”

Well-regarded for his meticulous paint handling and conceptual acuity, Bruggeman has received support for his work through numerous regional grants and fellowships including an Arts Midwest/NEA Grant, McKnight Fellowships and Minnesota State Arts Board Grants. Bruggeman currently teaches drawing at Carleton College in Northfield. His work has been part of exhibitions across the U.S. including the Albright Knox Museum in Buffalo, the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks, the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearny and the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul.

The artist will be present at the opening reception Saturday, November 5th from 2-5 pm.