An Interview with Roger Gastman about “Rooms”

Apr 23, 2010

An Interview with Roger Gastman about “Rooms”

Rooms is a new exhibition that opens up at Scion Space this Saturday (4/24) in Los Angeles. Curated by Roger Gastman, the show features 8 individual installations by artists Adam Wallacavage, Bill Daniel, Chris Stain, Dan Monick & Caitlin Reilly, Dueling VHS, Justin Van Hoy, Kime Buzzelli, and Rocky Grimes. I sat down with Roger via the internet and asked some questions.

Why “Rooms”?

I wanted to do something that creatively utilized the 4,500-square foot space at the Scion Gallery.

How did you pick the artists for the show?

I picked artists who I knew could handle the concept. This show requires artists to do more than hang their art on the walls—each artist has to build out an entire room that incorporates their work. I also picked artists who I was excited to see what they would come up with.

You’ve had some fun offices in your life so far, what are the key elements to a great workspace?

The most important element is the people in the office. Everyone in my office is really talented and gets along great, plus they put up with my dead baby jokes, two Yellow Labs, banned restaurant list and dress code. No skinny jeans on men and no Uggs ever!

What room has seen the weirdest things happen to you?

My dungeon.

What’s your favorite color?

Red, navy and white. Go Caps!

If you were to design a room of your own for the show, what would be going on in it?

My room would be a cage. In it would be Topanga, Danzig, some midgets and maybe a donkey.

Looking back, basement makeout parties were like pre-teen orgies. Do you miss those days?

Definitely. But I try to re-live them by watching shows like Degrassi. There was this one episode where one of the girls got Gonorrhea in her throat. I really miss those days.

What’s your favorite room ever?

The dining room.

I’ve always wanted to ask you this. Would you punch an alien?

I’ve always wanted to be asked this. Yes. Donkey Punch.