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ArtSlant Profile
Front-page-copy
Artist
Michael Bocok
Anonymous Vernal Laughter,Anonymous Vernal Laughter,
2005, Oil on Canvas, 74"x72"
© Michael Bocok Studios
A Hazy Blue View,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, A Hazy Blue View,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 66"x60"
© Michael Bocok Studios
The Clarity of All Her Movements,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, The Clarity of All Her Movements,
2006, Oil on Linen, 72"x72"
© Michael Bocok Studios
Essential Vison,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, Essential Vison,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 70"x38"
© Michael Bocok Studios
Hideous Alertness,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, Hideous Alertness,
2006, Oil on Linen, 72"x72"
© Michael Bocok Studios
Jazz on the L Train,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, Jazz on the L Train,
2006, Oil on Linen, 72"x72"
© Michael Bocok Studios
Kong,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, Kong,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 64"x56"
© Michael Bocok Studios
Long Island Oceanside Arrangement,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, Long Island Oceanside Arrangement,
2006, Oil on Linen, 72"x72"
© Michael Bocok Studios
The Montauk Gatekeeper,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, The Montauk Gatekeeper,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 66"x60"
© Michael Bocok Studios
One Crowded Morning,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, One Crowded Morning,
2006, Oil on Linen, 72"x72"
© Michael Bocok Studios
Accidental Strength,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, Accidental Strength,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 56"x64"
© Michael Bocok Studios
The Feast,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, The Feast,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 52"x52"
© Michael Bocok Studios
The Key Game,Michael BocokMichael Bocok, The Key Game,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 62"x58"
© Michael Bocok Studios
What if I Had to Lose Everything Just to Find You,Michael BocokMichael Bocok,
What if I Had to Lose Everything Just to Find You,
2007, Oil on Canvas, 64"x64"
© Michael Bocok Studios
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> QUICK FACTS
LIVES IN:  
Brooklyn, NY
WORKS IN:  
Brooklyn, NY
WEBSITE:  
http://www.michaelbocok.com
SCHOOLS:  
Pratt Institute, 2004, BFA
REPRESENTING GALLERIES:  
Amsterdam Whitney Gallery
> STATEMENT

Artist Statement

The concepts behind The Clarity of Movements have their roots in the time I spent studying medical sciences. While dissecting in the Anatomy lab, I relentlessly produced small detailed reference drawings that simultaneously clarified anatomical structures and scientific theories for me. Equally important, these drawings considered purely as visual aids, sparked a change in me. Moments too often overlooked, a breath, a heartbeat, a touch, were all absent from the entangled lifeless tissues. Yet surprisingly, life willingly manifested itself in the drawings. What were once commonplace structures emerged as new forms. In turn, a natural process bridging the gap between Art and Science began for me. Inevitably both require you question everything and take nothing at face value. These recent large scale figurative Paintings are an Oasis where Anatomy and Theories are not bound to or limited by nature. Here in this refuge, they play, they interact, they create new communities and form new shapes. Without restrictions something happens, something original. Moreover, in these environments, abstracted and fractured elements recontextualize. Similarly, the deliberate and the vague fuse; they begin to coincide.
Meanwhile,a journey begins where coarse surfaces vibrate with thick heavily impastoed passages. While gnarly anatomical layers unravel in front of you revealing unobserved moments and obscured memories. Next, vibrant colors and bold gestural marks initiate a series of natural potentials. As such, lurid colors enclose forms yet surge beyond the surface.
Here, the viewer may eventually find themselves breaking any illusions of control. Causing Anatomical and Sociological systems to break down. Above all, allowing the gestural and fractured elements to establish anew. A new whole where moments capture states of change.
Ultimately, this series comments on the way I see the world around me, as an interconnected balancing act between the predictable and unpredictable.

Biography

As a kid I developed passions for Painting, Drawing and Photography, which remain mainstays throughout my life. But, combined with interests in Organic Life and Theoretical Sciences, and with rigid influence from family members, I moved on to study Medical Science throughout high school and early college. Until one day when, I realized that most of my time was focused not on Pure Science, but rather on integrating and transforming images and concepts acquired in Anatomy and Physics courses into Drawings and Paintings. This was the spark that propelled me to fully engage The Arts. In 2002 I decided to pack a couple of suitcases... so I did... and moved to New York City to pursue a BFA in Painting which I eventually received from Pratt Institute. I’ve exhibited in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago, and have several works in private collections. I’m currently represented by The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery in New York City and SPDX Industrial Ultra Contemporary Art in Portland Oregon while working and living in Brooklyn.

> BLOG
blog
 
> EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS
Past Exhibitions and Events
Dec, 2007 Small Wonders III
Pharmaka Gallery
 



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