Co-written by Olivia Hoagland and Kylee Sheehan

Edited by Kay Aluvanze

Chris Firger’s solo exhibition, Wandering the City, recently closed at Co|So but its impact is still apparent. With all but 4 pieces selling, this extraordinary exhibition was relatable to a range of audiences and this interview aims to delve into Firger’s process and background. Please continue reading to learn more about the exhibition and what’s coming up next for Firger.

Chris Firger is a Signature Member at the Copley Society of Art, and Wandering the City was a celebration of Boston’s neighborhoods, communities, architecture, and natural beauty. Co|So’s Communication Manager, Olivia Hoagland, interviewed Firger to discuss his practice, his process, and what might come next. After years of painting New England and Massachusetts, Wandering the City was Firger’s first foray into capturing the city he has called home for nearly a decade. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1989, Firger studied at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and currently works out of his studio in Salem, Massachusetts.

‘Commonwealth’ by Chris Firger

OH: When did you begin painting, and when did you feel you had your personal style figured out?

CF: I’ve been painting and creating art for most of my life, but I’ve been doing it professionally for 10 or so years. I’m not sure that I “mastered” my personal style as much as I fell into it. I like to say that style just emerges the more you paint. I think of it as the artist’s personality coming out, whether consciously or not. I’m hoping that my style continues to evolve over time, but I’m happy with how my paintings are looking these days too!

OH: When choosing a scene to paint, how do you narrow down the exact moment you want to capture?

CF: When I’m composing a scene or selecting one of my reference photos for a painting, I’m trying to balance whatever it was “in the moment” that caught my eye, with the more deliberate consideration of what would make a good painting; the composition, contrast, narrative, etc.

OH: Your paintings feel like an invitation to step into the space; how do you build a strong composition that elevates the scene you’re documenting?

CF: It’s nice to hear that my paintings have that effect. As I compose each painting, I definitely consider what elements will bring a viewer in. Generally that process starts with me asking myself the question, “What made me want to paint this scene?”. I try to answer that question as specifically as possible and then focus on that element as I compose the painting. It could be something like “the reflection” or “the group of people standing over there”. Whatever it is, I make sure that it stands out in the final composition.

‘After The Show’ by Chris Firger

OH: The main subject in your paintings generally appears centered or follows the “rule of thirds”. What rules do you break or make?

CF: I do generally enjoy centering subjects. Same goes for following the rule of thirds, especially when dealing with horizons or elements that will divide a scene. I don’t mind moving away from the rule of thirds, though. For example, if I want to highlight a big sky or focus on an interesting reflection I’m ok with a very low or very high horizon line.

OH: What is something about your paintings or your practice you wished more people knew about?

CF: Good question! I think people would be surprised by how much improvisation happens in my studio. While my paintings look very planned and deliberate, I actually do quite a bit of decision making and editing on the fly. I have found that a solid plan helps to get a painting started, and can keep things moving smoothly, but there are a ton of little decisions I make as I paint , things like adding or removing different elements or changing a color that isn’t working.

OH: Are you planning any upcoming projects or new pieces you’d like to share?

CF: I’m teaching a class at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum this September! If you’re interested in painting with me for three days, visit the Workshop section of the PAAM website, or follow the link posted on my Instagram! (@chris_firger)

‘The Public’ by Chris Firger

Firger has a quiet attentiveness to the places most people move through without stopping. That quality carries into every painting in Wandering the City; the weight of an overcast afternoon, the particular warmth of a lit window at dusk. His work is for those who take the time to stand still. Wandering the City has passed but the archived exhibition can be viewed on our website. Chris Firger’s work can also be viewed on his website and followed on Instagram.