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PRESS RELEASE
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Geoffrey Gorman is breathing life into what might be considered to be the detritus of our culture. He constructs artworks using sticks, rusted screws, washers, bicycle tires, old tools, bailing wire, discarded canvas, and other things that are housed in cluttered garages or the backs of closets suffering from neglect. An intense physical process goes into making each work as Gorman builds from a series of elements layer upon layer. He explores the shared identity between animals and humans. Gorman’s artistic journey explores common moments and concerns. His magical animals will be “strutting their stuff” at Jane Sauer Gallery, June 17 through July 12, 2011.
"UMBRELLUS UNWINDS AFTER A LONG DAY" As Gorman develops his animals, he also creates narratives from scientific writings, observation, and his very active imagination. During construction his mind seems to integrate these three prongs into a seamless whole. Gorman is fascinated by the humanness of animal behavior and the animalistic tendencies in human behavior. He states, “These creatures live in their own world, a more 'natural' world than the one we inhabit. The exciting challenge is for us to figure out how we can relate to them and what we can learn from their survival instincts which do not destroy the environments in which they live”. Gorman is a voracious student of animal species and their behaviors. His appetite for observation and study is constantly on full speed. While on a recent trip to Cambodia and Laos he was fascinated with the number of chickens roaming freely. Within the freedom there was a strict hierarchy of female strutting followed by male demonstrating strength and power over the female. This scenario was repeated again and again. Upon returning Gorman created "THE COURTSHIP OF PURCIST AND OSMIA" which illustrates this strut and attack, the dance of courtship.
"THE COURTSHIP OF PURCIST AND OSMIA" Rabbits have been an ongoing investigation for Gorman. He is fascinated by their fierce speed, graceful run using legs in pairs in a hopping motion, and uncanny ability to stand up on hind legs for a long period of time. SECOND NATURE is not without these familiar creatures becoming more human. They hold objects of everyday use, but it is strange to see them being carried by a rabbit. As with other animals they are elaborately embellished with a bizarre accumulation of hanging objects. According to Gorman, “During the journey of life they have attracted various talismans like metal to magnets. Sometimes tools along with other unidentifiable elements become fetishes”.
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"FURNESSI" Another species under investigation are bats. While reading a science article in The New York Times, Gorman began giving physical presence to bat like creatures lurking in his imagination. These are not scary bats but ones with teddy bear faces. Gorman further states, “Where these creatures came from and what meanings they hold are still unknown. Indicators and clues as to their origins can be found on each creature with the added markings of identification by those studying the animals. Observing closely, each creature seems to have similar construction – patterns, tattoos and indications of tribal identification”. Is this a subtle statement about the inner connections of all animals, and maybe all of mankind? His work raises questions about links that cannot yet be answered. To followers of Gorman’s work, he is known to cross the line between warm and affectionate animals to those which are frightening. Deciphering these two extremes is not always an easy task. Ambiguity can be a powerful ingredient in Gorman’s work. He is able to agilely straddle both sides of this dichotomy. Whether it is a rabbit poised to spring, two birds huddled together on a ledge, quizzical canines in pairs, ancient bats stretched out for examination, a sleek silvery outer, or crawling lizards, they will all beckon you to follow them into the shadows of Gorman’s realm of the enigmatic. No matter what sparks Gorman’s imagination and creativity, his infectious enthusiasm and curiosity are always present. His works are highly original with a freshness of vision.
"MELANOTUS"
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