Michèle Colburn: The More Things Change
Wyatt Resident Artists Gallery
Michèle Colburn’s content-driven work explores themes of a socio-political nature that often address domestic terrorism, war, and the costs associated with both. A multidisciplinary artist, Colburn makes mixed-media objects with forays more recently into endurance performance on the streets as part of her oeuvre. Materials such as gunpowder, spent bullet casings, and vintage surplus military trip wire make appearances in her two and three-dimensional works. With a nod to POP and notions of consumerism, these materials are transformed by the artist’s hand and process, rendered useless, but bring clear associations to the work itself. In The More Things Change, Colburn reflects on her upbringing during the Vietnam War and the current political climate, drawing parallels regarding leaders, violence, uncertainty, and conversely the need for escape.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Michèle Colburn is a Washington, DC-based artist and native Washingtonian. She works in multi-media and makes work in both two and three dimensions. Her practice focuses on creating works that address political and social concerns, both national and global. Her work has been exhibited in DC, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles, and is in numerous private collections throughout the US. She earned a BA in Art History from Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, and an MFA from American University in 2012. She has worked in the arts and cultural arenas for the better part of 16 years including for the Hirshhorn and Whitney Museums of Art and is currently an Adjunct Professor in the DC metro area. She also teaches for Arlington Arts Center. She is represented by Charles Krause Reporting Fine Art, in Washington, DC.
RELATED EVENTS
Opening Reception: Jan 20, 6–9pm
Panel Discussion: Mar 25, 1–3pm
