MS0029_Democracy (Smile)_Crop.JPG — MICHAEL ST. JOHN

Michael St. John’s work conveys a sustained commitment to observing and re-presenting experiences of the everyday. Gathering source materials by casting an inclusive and penetrating gaze on the world through which he moves, St. John layers newspaper clippings, found images, fragmented language and everyday objects into captivating collaged portraits of the world at present. Underlying this recalibration of the growing circuit of visual information is an insightful and rigorous formal practice informed by Rauschenberg, Warhol, Ashcan School artists, and 19th-century American trompe l’oeil painting. With a dedication to recognize and commemorate the time we live in, St. John’s work reflects on notions of violence, tragedy, narcissism, racism, and indifference, drawing stimulating connections that kindle new and compassionate perspectives on contemporary culture.

St. John has shown his work extensively over the past thirty years in museums, alternative spaces and galleries throughout the United States. He has presented exhibitions at Andrea Rosen Gallery, Team Gallery, Karma, Marlborough Contemporary, Edward Cella in LA, CCS Bard, The Rubell Family Collection, The Weatherspoon Art Museum, Andrew Kreps and Feature Inc.

Michael st. john CV