An American in Gstaad: Cooper Embarks on the Next Stage of His Creative Journey

From his discovery on social media by Maddox’s Creative Director Jay Rutland,  to a sell-out show in London and waiting lists for his work; we speak to the American visual artist Cooper about his style, his inspirations and what we can expect from his new and hotly anticipated solo exhibition ‘Wild Life’, opening this weekend in Gstaad.

No one approaches the genre of still-life quite like Cooper, who reimagines scenes of domesticity – a table laid for lunch, a picnic in the snow – and infuses them with an irrepressible sense of vitality within his neo-contemporary still life’s. As he prepares for the new ‘Wild Life’ exhibition in the Swiss ski resort, we speak to the artist from Indiana in high demand to find out what to expect from his new body of work.

Question: You worked intensively to prepare for the show, what role does art play in your life? 

Cooper: I’m in the studio every day, seven days a week. For me it’s about staying in the zone as much as possible so that the work is as good as possible.  Art for me touches on every aspect of my daily life. It’s my job and profession, but also integral to my identity. I enjoy the focus and constant development of my practice, the discipline of working every day helps my progression, both as an artist and as a person.

Q: How has your style evolved in this new body of work?

Cooper: My new canvases are definitely more expressive and funky. My work tends to be vibrant; I love making new patterns and for my artwork to radiate positivity. I’ve expanded my colour palette with saturated yellows, pinks and oranges and explored a series of new patterns and motifs. By combining my approach with the location, this body of work presents a fresh perspective of Gstaad. 

Q: What has been your sources of inspiration and motivation when creating ‘Wild Life’?

Cooper: I read a great story about Andy Warhol needing a record player, a radio and a TV on to get any work done, Basquiat was the same. My source materials are words and sound. I always have to have tons of books open, I have been studying Matisse and Picasso because it’s a good way for me to explore wild colour combinations and then there is always music or a Podcast playing in the background.

Q: Is acrylic your medium of choice for a reason?

Cooper: I learned to paint acrylic on linen so that’s my main approach for now. Maybe one day I’ll experiment with oil or something like that, but for now I’m still trying to master my technique. Acrylic gives me freedom, texture and vivid colours.  There’s always something new to learn, a new way to lay down the paint, and it takes a long time. It’s never ending. 

For You, 2023, Acrylic on canvas, a work featuring in 'Wild Life'

Q: Why summer in Gstaad? 

Cooper: Gstaad in summer is a completely different vibe to winter – it’s all about fresh air, wild flowers and breathtaking scenery. I am looking forward to spending time in Switzerland and producing work while in residency at Maddox in Gstaad.  I plan on hiking in the mountains, meeting new people, checking out the food and feeling inspired by my surroundings.

Q: What does your artist in residency entail?

Cooper: I’m looking forward to working in an environment that is so different from my studio at home. It’s the perfect fuel for new paintings. The ground of the gallery will display my solo exhibition works, with a pop-up studio set up on the first floor where I can introduce visitors to my practice and canvases in progress. Seeing how someone works is always interesting, and I intend to make the whole experience fun and engaging.

‘Wild Life’ opens at Maddox Gallery Gstaad on 15th July. Cooper will be in Residency at Maddox Gstaad from 15th to 30th July.

Download the catalogue here