Alan Michel
Artwork Archive
https://www.alan-michel.com
617-308-8053
[email protected]
Graffiti
I am fascinated with how Graffiti utilizes existing urban structures, such as walls, fences or dumpsters, as canvases. This concept of incorporating found objects and the urban environment into art, blurs the works' authorship and adds to a legacy of change and expression as works are tagged or added to. Local culture, social issues, or political statements are a palette of themes that get incorporated into my work and inspire me to apply color and composition experimentally and with serendipity.
I am fascinated with how Graffiti utilizes existing urban structures, such as walls, fences or dumpsters, as canvases. This concept of incorporating found objects and the urban environment into art, blurs the works' authorship and adds to a legacy of change and expression as works are tagged or added to. Local culture, social issues, or political statements are a palette of themes that get incorporated into my work and inspire me to apply color and composition experimentally and with serendipity.
Graffiti TV and the framed piece is 39.9” H X 67.2” W
Bar Graffiti 2 30” H X 56.6” W
Bar Graffiti
Biography
Alan Michel, residing in Methuen, Massachusetts, with his wife Helene, holds a Master's degree in sculpture. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing media arts educational opportunities for inner-city teenagers in the Greater Boston area. From the mid-1970s to the 1990s, Alan exhibited his work in sculpture, painting, and photography at prestigious venues such as the Federal Reserve Bank, Boston; Lewis Wharf; Boston City Hall; Jordan Marsh; the Museum of Fine Arts; and the Boston Visual Artists Union. His achievements include recognition from the Massachusetts Cultural Council as a finalist for an individual fellowship in sculpture.
His recent exhibitions include group shows at the Andover Center for History and Culture and the Old Town Hall Gallery in Andover. Alan founded the Bates Arts Center in Boston and directed HOME, Inc., a Boston non-profit organization, for over 40 years until his retirement in the fall of 2017. Since retiring, he has focused on his art, primarily through his photo paintings that explore the cycle of renewal in nature, cityscapes, and graffiti as communal expression.
Alan Michel, residing in Methuen, Massachusetts, with his wife Helene, holds a Master's degree in sculpture. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing media arts educational opportunities for inner-city teenagers in the Greater Boston area. From the mid-1970s to the 1990s, Alan exhibited his work in sculpture, painting, and photography at prestigious venues such as the Federal Reserve Bank, Boston; Lewis Wharf; Boston City Hall; Jordan Marsh; the Museum of Fine Arts; and the Boston Visual Artists Union. His achievements include recognition from the Massachusetts Cultural Council as a finalist for an individual fellowship in sculpture.
His recent exhibitions include group shows at the Andover Center for History and Culture and the Old Town Hall Gallery in Andover. Alan founded the Bates Arts Center in Boston and directed HOME, Inc., a Boston non-profit organization, for over 40 years until his retirement in the fall of 2017. Since retiring, he has focused on his art, primarily through his photo paintings that explore the cycle of renewal in nature, cityscapes, and graffiti as communal expression.
Bar Grafitti
Bar Grafitti 30” H C 53.3” W
Tryptych 1
Tryptych 1 30” H X77.3” W
Natures Glory
Tree Green and Orange 32.2” H X 55.5” W
Dappled Greens and Reds 37.9” X 64.7” W
Artist Statement
In my work, I try to capture the boundless beauty and artistic prowess inherent in nature. Through each piece, I underscore the profound impact that light and color wield, stirring emotions, inspiring creativity, and fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of existence. Nature's serendipity offers an endless source of inspiration. The interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant hues of a sunset, and the intricate patterns found in the natural world are not just visual delights but gateways to a deeper connection in all of our surroundings. In my autumnal vignettes, changing cityscapes, and graffiti, I find more than just visual appeal. These evoke a deeper connection to the world around us, emphasizing the place each of us shares in the celebration of life, love, and the enduring allure of artistic expression and a sense of wonder and joy, highlighting the extraordinary beauty that permeates our everyday lives.
In my work, I try to capture the boundless beauty and artistic prowess inherent in nature. Through each piece, I underscore the profound impact that light and color wield, stirring emotions, inspiring creativity, and fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of existence. Nature's serendipity offers an endless source of inspiration. The interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant hues of a sunset, and the intricate patterns found in the natural world are not just visual delights but gateways to a deeper connection in all of our surroundings. In my autumnal vignettes, changing cityscapes, and graffiti, I find more than just visual appeal. These evoke a deeper connection to the world around us, emphasizing the place each of us shares in the celebration of life, love, and the enduring allure of artistic expression and a sense of wonder and joy, highlighting the extraordinary beauty that permeates our everyday lives.
Urban Landscape
Towering Elegance 58.5” H X 40.9” W
Urban landscapes have long been a source of inspiration for me. The bustling streets, towering buildings, and diverse cultures create a dynamic and vibrant backdrop . The combination of architectural structures, street art, and the energy of city life are captivating and thought-provoking. The dynamic nature of the crowd, the constant movement, and the abundance of visual stimuli make it difficult to capture a single moment that truly encapsulates the energy and essence of the scene. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for creativity and experimentation. By exploring different perspectives, angles, and techniques, I create unique and compelling artistic representations that convey vibrancy and liveliness. In my series inspired by Times Square, I have embraced the chaos and the ever-changing nature of the place, allowing it to inspire and guide my artistic vision.
Towering Elegance
Skyline 1
Skyline 1 Acrylic 30 x 40 x 1.5 in
Boxed Facade
Boxed Facade 35.4: H X 19.8” W
Abstraction and Play
Tree Tetons 36.2 "H X 54.3" W
Winter's crystal structure and cold color palette have become a profound source of design inspiration. The tiniest refraction of light on an ice crystal can amplify forms, creating intricate patterns that I capture and transform in my art.
These elements are digitally quantized, freezing whole areas of images that reverberate in unison with the underlying structures. The limited color range allows me to focus more on the interplay of light, texture, and form, The various shades of whites, grays, browns, and blues found in winter are manipulated to create intriguing patterns, shapes, and textures, to add depth and complexity to my work.
Through my winter-themed pieces, I aim to convey the subtle yet powerful elegance of this season. Each artwork reflects the delicate interplay of light and shadow, the silent rhythm of nature, and the intricate beauty found in the simplest of winter's designs.
These elements are digitally quantized, freezing whole areas of images that reverberate in unison with the underlying structures. The limited color range allows me to focus more on the interplay of light, texture, and form, The various shades of whites, grays, browns, and blues found in winter are manipulated to create intriguing patterns, shapes, and textures, to add depth and complexity to my work.
Through my winter-themed pieces, I aim to convey the subtle yet powerful elegance of this season. Each artwork reflects the delicate interplay of light and shadow, the silent rhythm of nature, and the intricate beauty found in the simplest of winter's designs.
Tree Tetons
Iced Tress Cubed
Iced Trees Cubed. 25.3" H X 35" W
Berry Color Field .
Berry Color Field .34.8" H X 50” W