OWEN SCHUH
American b. 1982
OWEN SCHUH
AMERICAN, B.1982
Owen Schuh draws his inspiration from mathematical rules, algorithms and complex organic systems. In particular, he is fascinated by simple sets of well-defined rules that generate unexpectedly intricate and nuanced structures. His work is painstakingly created by hand, using at most the aid of a pocket calculator.
"I have been making paintings based on mathematical rules and algorithms for some time now. Although the rules vary from piece to piece the basic process is the same. Starting from some initial input (perhaps a few random drips of paint on a canvas) I employ a function to determine the output (e.g. more paint), that output then becomes the next input until either the function or myself are exhausted. Up until now I had always performed this work by hand. My work seeks to illuminate the entwining relations between embodied mind, mathematics, and the physical world.” - Owen Schuh.
In 2015, Schuh participated in a major collaboration with the mathematician Satyan Devadoss. This resulted in the exhibit The Cartography of Tree Space at Satellite Berlin (2015) and the co-authoring and publication of an article “Cartography of Treespace” in Leonardo Journal (2017). In 2018, Schuh work was included in the exhibition, Das Origami-Prinzip in der Kunst, 24 February - 3 June 2018, Marta Herford Museum, Germany.
In 2023, Schuh’s work he created in 2015 in collaboration with mathematician Satyan Devadoss: Cartography of Treespace (underground) (Treespace) and Cartography of Treespace (unfolded) (Treespace), were both acquired for the permanent collection of The Flaten Art Museum, Northfield MN.
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Owen Schuh in his studio
Owen Schuh (right) & Mathematician Satyan Devadoss (left)
Born 1982 Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Owen Schuh earned his BA in fine art and philosophy in 2004 from Haverford College, Philadelphia, PA. In 2007, he received his Masters of Fine Art from The Tyler School of Art, in Philadelphia, and completed his final year of study in Rome, Italy. He has exhibited in Germany, Italy, and throughout the United States, and has lectured on his work and algorithmic art practice in academic and exhibition settings. His work is included in the collection of the Kupferstichkabinett of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, as well as private collections. In 2015 Schuh participated in a major collaboration with the mathematician Satyan Devadoss, which significantly shifted the artist’s studio focus in recent years. His work has been featured in Leonardo, and the Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. He currently resides in Southeast Vermont. Owen Schuh is represented by Silas von Morisse Gallery in New York.
Owen Schuh in his studio
My work illuminates the entwined relationships between embodied mind, mathematics, and the physical world. My paintings are structured with mathematical functions, data sets and iterations, which though relatively simple in nature, often yield outcomes of surprising organic complexity and depth. In each piece, I strive to manifest phenomena unique to the interaction between the physical medium and the logical structure. The work requires dedicated research to begin and execute, and invariably reveals both answers and further questions. In this way, the paintings and drawings form a body of visual research for abstract ideas often confined to the ethereal. I create this work by hand using pencils, paint, a compass and, at most, the aid of a pocket calculator. The importance of this work, for me, lies beyond creating clever algorithms, or beautiful images. It is about understanding the nature and limits of our physical and mental worlds.
