Galen Gibson-Cornell Studio Visit

Bertrand Productions recently had the pleasure of visiting the studio of Galen Gibson-Cornell, an artist whose work bridges urban exploration, memory, and material transformation. Based in Philadelphia, Gibson-Cornell repurposes salvaged street posters into intricate woven collages, reassembling the visual language of cities into stunning new compositions.

For over three years, Gibson-Cornell has worked out of his studio at the historic Globe Dye Works building in Northeast Philadelphia. Stepping into his space felt like stepping into a visual map of his mind—colorful torn paper covered every surface, echoing the layered, dynamic nature of his practice. The former textile factory, Globe Dye Works, now home to a vibrant community of artists and small businesses, provided an ideal backdrop for his work, which intertwines deconstruction and reconstruction, decay and renewal.

During our visit, Gibson-Cornell spoke about his ongoing exploration of borders within his work. He plays with the tension between the natural, torn edges of ripped posters and the imposed constraints of the poster’s printed original rectangle. As he assembles his pieces, he moves fluidly between these states, considering how the fragmented remnants first appear silhouetted against the wall and how they shift when reconstructed into woven compositions. This push and pull between organic disintegration and structured form added a fascinating layer to his process.

We also had the chance to see works in progress and discuss how his background in printmaking, along with his experiences in cities across the world—from Argentina to Bulgaria—continues to shape his artistic language. Each piece reflected his deep engagement with the physical and cultural textures of urban spaces. Looking ahead, he has ambitious plans to continue traveling internationally, collecting new posters and immersing himself in the visual and material landscape of different cities—always in search of the next layer of urban skin to weave into his work.

Our time in Gibson-Cornell’s studio was a compelling look into a practice that transforms discarded materials into striking reflections on memory, place, and visual culture. We left inspired by his meticulous craft and his ability to reimagine the overlooked fragments of city life.