Combining mixed media with serendipitous renderings, my mixed media works are products of my surroundings, metaphorically and literally. I not only see my materials as tools but partners in creating my imaginative works. I take my inspiration from tangible images and surround them with inventive depictions of my underlying thoughts.
An aspect of found objects that I like is the act of taking everyday items that have usually been discarded and put them into a high art setting. Once you take that item out of its original environment and put it on a white wall you have changed it to a high art context and people stop, observe, and hopefully appreciate it more than they would before. My goal is for the viewer to look at its formal elements and ponder the conceptual relationship between the rest of the painting. A lot of great things in this world get passed by every day and it is a way for me to reverse that. I enjoy helping people slow down for a minute and appreciate the small things in life.
Of course, another element I was attracted to was taking this so called trash and putting it to good use. Reusing. Recycling. I started this before it was hip to be “green” but also appreciate the steps our society is taking to make our planet a cleaner and safer place. My multi-faceted art process is quite relatable to the Recycle, Reduce, Reuse symbol we all have come to know.
I would also compare searching for found objects to Jackson Pollock’s and Willim DeKooning’s action paintings. The action or event of painting (hunting for objects) is almost or more important than the final product. I admired the fact that Jackson Pollock didn’t get caught up in the final product. It was more about the act of painting and I can definitely relate to that. With that, I will continue to do my part to make this world a cleaner and more creative place.
Nathan Monk - nathanmonkart@gmail.com
Exhibitions
Wheeler Arts Community, Benjamin Franklin Gallery, “Nathan Monk In NoSpace: A Collaboration with Tré Reising”, Two Person Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – March 2011
Studio 303, Murphy Arts Center, “Set Me Free”, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – February 2011
Harrison Center for the Arts, “The Sign Show”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – January 2011
Side Car Gallery, “The Chicken Show”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2010
Locals Only Art & Music Pub, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – November 2010
Wheeler Arts Community, Benjamin Franklin Gallery, “The Chicken Show”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – November 2010
Skiles Test Nature Park, “Test Fest 2010″, Group Exhibition, Environmental Art Installation, Indianapolis, IN – October 2010
Big Car Gallery, Murphy Arts Center, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – July 2010
Bootleg Exhibitions, “Play”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – February 2010
Indy Hostel, “Both Sides of the Beat” Collaborative Art & Music Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2009
Indianapolis Artsgarden, “Holiday Art Sale”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2009
People For Urban Progress Studio, Murphy Building, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2009
People For Urban Progress Studio, Murphy Building, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – November 2009
“Open House Art Show”, Group Exhibition, Danville, IN – October 2009
Oranje “Oranje – An Interactive Experience of Art & Music”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – September 2009
Palms Casino, “Great Pit Ball” Benefit Auction for Villa Lobos Rescue Center, Group Exhibition, Las Vegas, NV – March 2009
Precious Mettles Gallery, “Curiously Strong Art”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – October 2005
Danville Public Library, Solo Exhibition, Danville, IN – October 2005
South Madison Art Gallery, “Apple”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – September 2005
Irvington Public Library, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – November 2004
Performances
Big Car Gallery, circuit bent free improvising sounds, solo performance, Indianapolis, IN – December 2010
Indiana History Center, “Beer Drinking Sonata” performed by Big Car, Indianapolis, IN – November 2010
Big Car Gallery, free improvising music performed by “Abstract Sound Structures Ensemble”, Indianapolis, IN – October 2010
Indianapolis Museum of Art- 100 Acres, “Leaf Collective”, Group Performance Art by Big Car’s Performance Group “Pharm Accident”, Indianapolis, IN – September 2010
