Alfred Steiner Likelihood of Confusion
Likelihood of Confusion presents new work by Alfred Steiner, examining the pervasive influence of media, advertising, and trademark culture. Through watercolor and painting, Steiner reconstructs familiar logos by replacing their contours with carefully rendered, unrelated images generated through free association. The resulting compositions challenge viewers to recognize the original marks while reconsidering how commercial imagery is absorbed, decoded, and internalized. Referencing the legal standard used to assess trademark infringement, the exhibition highlights the tension between authorship, appropriation, and visual saturation in contemporary culture.
Alfred Steiner (b. 1973, Cincinnati, OH) lives and works in New York City. His work explores perception, intellectual property, and the visual language of branding through meticulous drawing and painting. Steiner holds degrees in mathematics and philosophy from Miami University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. His work is included in the West Collection and the curated registries of the Drawing Center and White Columns. Selected solo exhibitions have been presented in Los Angeles and Copenhagen, with group exhibitions at venues including The Drawing Center, The National Arts Club, Guerrero Gallery, and The New School.
Bunny, 2014 Acrylic gesso and oil on medium-density fiberboard 50 x 40 x 4 in (127 x 101.6 x 10.2 cm)
Gentleman, 2014 Acrylic gesso and oil on medium-density fiberboard 114 x 35 x 4 in (289.6 x 88.9 x 10.2 cm)
Indian, 2014 Watercolor on Arches 300 lb. (640 gsm) hot press paper 30 x 22 in (76.2 x 55.9 cm)
Panda, 2014 Watercolor on Arches 300 lb. hot press paper 30 x 22 in (76.2 x 55.9 cm)
Pegasus, 2014 Watercolor on Arches 140 lb. (300 gsm) hot press paper 43.6 x 63.6 in (110.8 x 161.6 cm)
Siren, 2014 Watercolor on Arches 300 lb. (640 gsm) hot press paper 30 x 22 in (76.2 x 55.9 cm)