Erik Sommer’s work is influenced by abandoned buildings, fading stone and eroding structures. He recreates these markers in a controlled manner yet embraces accidents in his paintings, drawings and sculptures that help call attention to overlooked examples of beautiful decay. Sommer became increasingly interested in manipulating paint, specifically spray paint. In his recent spray paint works, Sommer repeatedly layers his surface, heavily soaking the face with spray paint until it seeps through and is visible on the verso. As the paint seeps through, it stains this second surface arbitrarily, resulting in an accidental yet adjustable image. In this way, each action creates two pieces: the exterior image with its strong, bold colors and a second inner surface comprised of sparse, beautiful marks. While created together, the two surfaces exist as separate works of art.