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All images ©LaFontsee Galleries. May not be reproduced without written permission.
JOHN MERIGIAN • Statement
My work reflects a continued interest in the relationships and connections we share with others. It has centered on the human figure as a means to express internal and external realities and relationships. My work often involves multiple figures, with the space and placement of the figures being choreographed. In their simplicity the figures are accessible and present a depth of emotion ranging from highly reflective and soulful to joy filled and slightly humorous. Their complexity lies in the relationships that emerge with the space, lines, silhouettes, shadows, and each other. As my large sculpture is intended for outdoor installation, the movement of the sun across the sculptures through the day is an integral part of creating constantly changing linear elements. Additionally, the change in shadows has a significant impact on the sculpture throughout the day. Night lighting adds yet another level of variation. Finally, the element of snow in climates where it is present further enhances the linear and geometrical aspects of the sculptures.
Some of my most exciting pieces have been site specific sculptures. This can be seen starting with “Let Us Rejoice” in 1980, to more recent works “Plaza Promenade” 2009, and “A Four Phrase Movement” 2010. It is extremely rewarding to collaborate on a piece for a specific space. Two monumental pieces were permanently installed in 2011: “A Time to Rejoice” 37’ tall, in Cassopolis, MI, and “Be Still and Know IV” 32’ tall, in Lacks Park, Grand Rapids, MI.
For many years my work has been very large in scale. One challenge I have been pursuing is making work on a more intimate scale. This has been easier than I at first imagined as the scaling down of sculptures has not lessened their visual impact or presence. They are still able to convey concepts and emotions central to my work. Additionally, I have returned to making prints as a way of supplementing the visual dynamics of my sculpture. The issues of line, value, positive and negative space come to the forefront of the prints. The combination of working on 2D and 3D work at the same time is quite catalytic.
JOHN MERIGIAN• Biography
SELECT RECENT EXHIBITIONS
2011
“ArtPrize”, Grand Valley State University Exhibition, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“The Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island”, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
“Art In Public Places”, Dogwood Arts Festival, Knoxville, Tennessee
“City of Westerville Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit”, Westerville, Ohio
“SculptureWalk Chelsea 2011”, Chelsea, Michigan
“2nd Annual City of Hastings Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition”, Hastings, MI
2010
“Krasl Biennial Sculpture Invitational”, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Michigan
“Three person show”, Bennett Galleries, Knoxville, Tennessee
“Group show”, LaFontsee Gallery, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“New works show”,30th anniversary commemoration of sculptural installation, St. John’s Armenian Church, Southfield, Michigan
“ArtPrize”, Grand Valley State University Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition, Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Regional Biennial Juried Sculpture Exhibition”, Marshall Fredericks Museum, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Saginaw, Michigan
2009
“ArtPrize”, Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Warner, Norcross & Judd, Fifth Third Bank Plaza, Grand Rapids, Michigan
2008
“3rd Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition”, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
“2nd Annual A&D Alumni Show”, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2007
Sculpture on Ford Road, Canton, Michigan
“2nd Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition”, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
“Sculpture in the Park”, Arrowhead Park, Village of Ottawa Hills, Ohio
