photo courtesy Matthew Golden and McKinney Ave. Contemporary
photo courtesy Matthew Golden and McKinney Ave. Contemporary
photo courtesy Matthew Golden and McKinney Ave. Contemporary
photo courtesy Matthew Golden and McKinney Ave. Contemporary
photo courtesy Matthew Golden and the McKinney Ave. Contemporary
photo courtesy Matthew Golden and the McKinney Ave. Contemporary
installation Mckinney Ave. Contemporary 2012
Irreversible Change
Inspired by models for set designs, images from the comics of Frank Miller and pop up cards of the late 1970´s, these sets, made with a larger stage in mind, attempt to give us a snapshot of that moment when sudden, uncontrollable change occurs. That moment when we suddenly realize life as we know it no longer exists. Presented as offerings for stage, these models also explore that moment in theater when the viewer becomes completely absorbed in the magic of a stage production. That magic spot in the audience near center stage is the sweet spot, the best seats in the house. Only after shifting to the extreme stage left or stage right do we get a glimpse of how the magic of theater is achieved.
There is a long history of tragedy in theater. With this in mind these models draw heavily from current events such as the tsunami in Japan, earthquake in Haiti and wind driven fires in California, all natural disasters of unimaginable scale. All are unforgettable moments in time when people face the paralyzing realization that an irreversible change has suddenly occurred.
These models for a larger stage symbolize how lucky and privileged I feel to be able to make art. The dead tree roots cleaned up and painted with elaborate patterns are given a new life by transforming them into symbols of endurance. They have been given a second chance, they have a new purpose. These tragedies push me to make art that acts as a reminder to us all how fragile and tentative life really is.