Remembering Peter Simensky (1975-2023)
The UC Berkeley Art Practice community mourns the loss of Peter Simensky, a distinguished alumnus and a profoundly innovative artist, who unexpectedly passed in December, 2023 at the age of 48. A 1999 graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Art Practice and Art History, Peter's journey was one marked by joyful creative exploration, intellectual depth, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and education.
Peter found his academic and creative start as an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of art's historical contexts and contemporary practices. His time at Berkeley was not just about academic excellence but also about developing a unique creative voice, both critical and whimsical. In a recent performance, for example, he turned the "Thinker" by Rodin into a radio antenna.
Peter Simensky, Pyrite Pirate Radio, Drum Kit (detail), 2020, via 18th Street Art Center, Santa Monica
In other Bay Area shows including "The Potential of Objects", "Drum Listens to Heart III", and "Bay Area Now 9" his work, which included colorful sound objects, sculptures, performances and installations, was well represented and received. Working with materials like Pyrite Radios, wire woven antennae, speaker cabinet, and local broadcasts, the objects elicit playful curiosity and convey the courage to build one's own systems of generation, transmission and reception. In his own words, Peter described his work as "Situated in moments of slippage and interchange, my projects evidence the volatility of art objects, which are on one level, cash with which to trade and invest, and on the other, art—the mysterious objectification of reflection, imagination, desire, and promise."
Peter's vibrant contributions to the art world were far-reaching and influential. His work was featured in solo exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego; the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art; Museum 52, 500 Meter Museum, Sapporo; and Project Row Houses, Houston. His performances and installations have been featured at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, The Swiss Institute, Wattis Institute, the ICA San Francisco, 18th Street Art Center, Cabinet, and the de Young Museum, San Francisco. Simensky taught art and chaired the Graduate Fine Arts Program at California College of Art in San Francisco. He inspired scores of artists with his teaching, mentorship and support.
As a university that champions creativity, UC Berkeley Art Practice takes great pride in Peter Simensky's accomplishments and his lasting impact on the art world. His passing is a significant loss to the artistic community, but his legacy will continue to inspire us.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter's family, friends, colleagues, students and all who were touched by his extraordinary life and work. His lively and playful approach to art, marked by the pursuit of "wonderfully funny, weird and intelligent objects" (Rudolf Frieling), will be a part of UC Berkeley's rich history and the broader context of Bay Area art.
Peter Simensky's journey from a curious student exploring the depths of art and art history to becoming a renowned and beloved artist serves as a testament to the power of education, creativity, and the human spirit to transcend boundaries and make a lasting impact on the world.
To honor Peter Simensky's memory, please consider a donation to the Lab SF, one of his most beloved art venues. Peter's Celebration of Life will take place at The Lab in San Francisco on April 20th, 3-6pm. It is open to the community.