Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his travels. His ongoing series of large-scale kites bridge the gap between flat art and sculpture, each crafted of split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage ephemera – including kimonos, obis, paintings, scrolls, drawings, metal leaf, bleeding paper, book pages, or anything with a story to tell.
A combination of print and collage, this work entitled “Goddess” condenses the complex processes involved in Thompson’s kite works into a small-scale format. A refined woman sits with poise at the center of the composition, her gaze shifted outwards and her hands resting on her knees, a confident posture reminiscent of royal ease. Imagery lifted from vintage Japanese prints are carefully layered to comprise her colorful robe - borrowed silks become artfully draped folds, while floral scenery and peering faces drift in and out of focus. The floor beneath her is a mix of printed floorboards, coarse fabric and found paper scraps, roughly textured in contrast to her elegant countenance. Behind her is a graphic, black-and-white print of allover dots and a shadowy gradient that seems to emanate from within like a dark halo.
"Goddess," 2018
Michael Thompson
Mono-print and found paper collage. Framed.
Additional Dimensions:
Visible Collage: 8"W x 10.5"H
