RYAN MEHIGAN August 1, 2010
THESIS EXHIBITION DRAFT PROPOSAL
For my Thesis show, I would like to create a mixed media installation that transforms an entire gallery space into not only an art installation, but a venue for live music. I would like to incorporate the process and skills of my personal practice, including mixed media, painting, 2d Design, and graffiti art, and combine them with investigation of new media, such as video, lighting, and sound. My ambition is to go much bigger with the work, and break away from the comfort and norm of painting a canvas. This will include wall hanging pieces, work suspending form the ceiling, placed on the floor, etc. I have begun working with wood cut outs, and am able to see in one regard how I am going to build a component of this.
Two ideas for the overall imagery and themes of work are: Polarities, and Evolution.
For polarities, I would like various components of the art to address and speak of two opposite forces (IE: Masculine/Feminine, Animal/Mechanical, Synthetic, Natural) I would aim to show through the work how each pair relate to one another, and depict their relationship. I would like there to be some form of story told through the installation and experience, that the music, lights, art installed, and video help tell stories of relationships between the pairs. (Perhaps, harmony, falling into conflict, or overcoming conflict to come together) The aim would be to have the music and video working together to tell the story as a performance piece, and the art installed to help dress the venue to enhance and provide deeper views into each individual relationship.
For evolution, in a similar regard, the imagery would show a journey of growth, depicting some protagonist encountering events, and others, that create both conflict and peace. Through these encounters, the protagonist(s) show growth, adaptation and change.
In each, the goal is to provide the view with an experience. One that is fun, thoughtful, and inspiring. For the view to enter, look, listen, feel, and follow a story or journey that shows them ups and downs, with music that also provides ups and downs.
