Andrew Valko

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Andrew Valko, "Let's Spend the Night Together," 2017

acrylic on panel, 10" x 14"

When Andrew Valko speaks of his painting practice, his drive-in theatre series in particular, he does not mention nostalgia or the experience of watching a movie. He focuses on the duality of realities presented by technology and media.

In a recent conversation with Valko he mentioned his late-night trips to "Nick's" diner, sitting in the back seat after a fun night out as a young man. The diner was right beside the local drive-in and he remembers glaring through vehicle windows at the alternate reality playing out in the night sky. He speaks of what he considers reality and "real" reality, and how they interact with one another. He also mentions the concepts of privacy and celebrity culture, how although an actor or actress may be acting in a scene, they are still being exposed to a large audience in a strange city or small town. The audience is the voyeur, those both watching movies in their cars and contemplating in the art gallery.