Description

Michael Becker is a North American artist from Minnesota known for his unique blend of poetry, philosophy, and painting. Becker, who received his Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, uses art as a medium to explore profound philosophical and metaphorical concepts. His works are strongly influenced by literary themes, and this intellectual depth infuses his artworks with a fusion of art, philosophy, and literature. Becker presents his floral images as poems that reflect his experiences with the world. These works aim to capture the viewer's mind and are inspired by the transient beauty and constant change in nature. He strives to convey a sense of appreciation and wonder through his art, encouraging viewers to contemplate the fleeting and beautiful nature of the moment. Becker's preferred technique is reduction relief painting, a method that allows him to create a simultaneous depiction of similarity and difference through repetitions and variations. His images, often depictions of flowers, are characterized by their ability to conceal underlying layers, with colors shining through and suggesting form and depth. Each of his paintings is an iteration of an object, connected to the others, and radiates a pleasant strangeness. A form of printmaking and texture-oriented painting that emphasizes clear lines and shapes is used to create the artworks. The strong contours and the way the colors are separated suggest a deliberate emphasis on form and structure over detail, which is characteristic of these printing techniques. The use of vibrant, contrasting colors is reminiscent of the techniques of Emil Nolde, known for his bold, emotionally charged landscapes and floral images. The robust application of color emphasizes emotional expressions rather than physical reality. The depiction of plants and flowers with strong, almost distorted shapes and twisted, expressive lines gives the objects an intense, almost dramatic presence. Becker is inspired by a variety of sources, including music albums like "Castlemania" by Thee Oh Sees and artworks by Peter Doig and Vincent Van Gogh. These cultural references enrich his artistic vision and influence the thematic and stylistic development of his work. The love of nature and the integration of philosophical and literary influences into his art result in Becker's works reflecting the uniqueness of deep meditation through almost lifelike works that interact with the viewer.