Abstract art lets artist “have his cake and eat it too”


What: Observed Abstraction, an MFA thesis exhibition of paintings, drawings and monotypes depicting abstract still life sculpture.
Where: Harry Wood Gallery, Art Building, ASU Main, Tempe. (900 Forest Mall on the west side of campus near the intersection of Forest and Tyler Malls.)
Who: Michael Clark, a graduate student at the Herberger College School of Art.
When: April 15-19, 2002.
          Opening Reception: 7 p.m., April 15.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 
Cost: Always Free

About the Exhibition: In Observed Abstraction, Michael Clark, a graduate student in the painting program at ASU's Herberger College School of Art, concentrates on imagery in tightly cropped compositions of abstract still life sculpture.

Clark says he wants to create paintings of objects that alter the way viewers see them so they focus on colors, shapes and design. However, drawing from real life presented Clark with a dilemma; the desire of the viewer to associate meaning with what is being viewed meant that those seeing his work saw it simply as abstracted views of familiar surroundings. In order to find subject matter that did not carry a preconceived association, Clark began to create shape-oriented sculptures from which to paint.

"This sculpture allows me the freedom to indulge in the challenge of realism, while creating pictures that are about design and color," Clark says. "These paintings are an attempt to have my cake and eat it too."

The final product can be seen in this exhibition: a colorful collection of paintings, drawings and monotypes. This is Clark's master of fine arts thesis exhibition. The public is invited to meet him at an opening reception on April 15 at 7 p.m.

About the Image:
Michael Clark, Delicately Curled, oil on canvas, 30" x 26".
Michael Clark, Reputedly a Dissolute, oil on canvas, 30" x 26".

Media Contact:
Jennifer Pringle
480-965-8795
jennifer.pringle@asu.edu