Kyle Bauer's Memphis Billboard, slip cast porcelain, wood, paint, metal, Masonite, streamers, 43 in. x 16 in. x 11 in., 2015
Ever since Marcel Duchamp took a urinal, turned it upside down, called it a "readymade," and demanded we consider it art, sculpture has been open to a variety of methodologies. Kyle Bauer's work is a reflection of this. And he will start off our fall Luce Artist Talk series on Saturday, September 19th at 1:30pm with a discussion of his sculpting methods. He will also reflect on some of the artworks in the Luce Foundation Center's collection and how they have influenced his practice. Bauer's talk begins at 1:30pm. Coffee and tea will be served from 1:30 to 3:30pm.
Bauer's art continues the history of taking ordinary objects and elevating them. His mixed media sculptures combine fine art materials with every-day objects. By utilizing tools he trusts, Bauer's materials range from building supplies like plywood, Formica, and latex paint to more specialized fine art mediums, such as slip cast porcelain. Bauer's penchant for experimentation leads to new and exciting compositions in his sculptures that combine both familiar and foreign materials. Additionally, his experience working in the Baltimore Museum of Art conservation department has informed his practice on how to best use materials and get consistent, long lasting results.
Not only does Bauer use tools he has a personal history with, but the themes represented by his artwork also draw on personal experiences. Referencing summers he spent sailing the lakes of Wisconsin, Bauer's work centers on navigation and way making. By incorporating a sense of journeying into his composition and installation layout, Bauer invites viewers to simultaneously consider the individual components of each sculptures and the installation as a whole. When making a site specific installation, Bauer wanted to make sure that his sculptures had space to breathe and that visitors would have room to navigate.
In addition to his talk at Luce, Bauer's work will be on display at CulturalDC's Flashpoint Gallery. Come for our talk, then walk over and see Kyle's work.
This post was written by Adrienne Iannone, Luce Center program assistant.
