You can not help but feel captivated and amazed by Mike Rea's geek-inspired wood sculptures. I went in thinking he is just another obsessed geek, but after reading his artist statement and an in-depth interview I find his art philosophical, thought-provoking and utterly genius.
Rea's goal is to create the idea of an object that remains a dream. The objects he creates are based on fictions or established hearsay, rather than realities; which allows for a flawed interpretation, leading to a flawed result. He further amplifies the experience by only using his memory to construct the images. "Failure is imminent." He depicts his ideas with unfinished wood and other materials such as rope and foam which convey a sense of the temporal. The result offers a sense of what could be and what could never be simultaneously.
His work includes objects such as a time machine, space suit, space capsule, M-16, musical instruments and fish tanks; inspired by War, Rock & Roll, Space and Aquatic. Rea has a solo exhibition coming up at the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia from April 3-June 15, 2008.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Geek-inspired Sculptures
- There is a growing market for geek-inspired art sculptures that provide new ways for customers to express themselves.
- Flawed Interpretation Art
- The trend of flawed interpretation art is becoming more popular as customers seek unique, thought-provoking pieces that challenge the norm.
- Temporal Art
- Temporal art made from unfinished materials is emerging as a trend, offering an experience of what could be and what could never be simultaneously.
Where This Applies
- Art and Sculpture
- The art and sculpture industry can take advantage of the growing market for new types of sculptures that offer unique perspectives and challenge the norm.
- Geek Culture Merchandising
- Merchandising companies in the geek culture industry can create new product lines that feature geek-inspired sculptures to extend their brand and reach a wider audience.
- Event Planning
- Event planning companies can incorporate temporal art made from unfinished materials to create unique and thought-provoking event experiences that engage attendees in new ways.
