Wikipedia

Draft:Michael Garlington

  • Comment: "Garlington’s artist statement reads...." Unless other people whose opinions are of note, and who are disinterested -- art critics, curators, art journalists, etc -- have commented on this statement, it's mere trivia. What matters is: What have these other people said, in reliable sources, about Garlington's work? Hoary (talk) 08:51, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

Michael Garlington (born 1977) is an American artist and photographer known for his immersive installations and intricate large-scale sculptures. Based in Petaluma, California, Garlington blends photography, sculpture, and storytelling to craft surreal environments exploring themes of identity, mortality, and the human experience. His works often blur the boundaries between fine art and performance, inviting profound and transformative viewer interactions..[1][2]

Early life and influences

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Garlington was raised in a family of photographers, an influence evident in his work’s narrative depth and layered visuals. His artistic style combines Gothic aesthetics, Victorian portraiture, and surrealist elements, drawing comparisons to artists such as Tim Burton and Edward Gorey.[3][4]

Career highlights

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Garlington gained international acclaim through his installations at Burning Man, including:

  • Photo Chapel (2013)[5]
  • Totem of Confessions (2015)[6][7]
  • The Arch (2016), part of the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery’s No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man exhibition[8][9]
  • Journey to the Cloud (2018), commissioned by Google to reflect themes of innovation and transformation[10]
  • Chapel of Babel (2022), a monumental piece exploring communication and human connection in the digital age.[11]

His works have been featured in galleries, museums, and art festivals worldwide, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in participatory and experiential art.[8][12]

Artistic vision

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Garlington’s artist statement reads: "Life is art. Art is my daily life. The human element in the portraiture, along with animals, flowers, insects, and leaves, conveys that we all belong here, and there is room for everyone in all versions and reiterations of their expression."[5]

Notable works

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  • Chapel of Babel (Burning Man Honorarium, 2022)[11]
  • Totem of Confessions (Burning Man Honorarium, 2015)[6]
  • Photo Chapel (Burning Man Honorarium, 2013)[5]
  • EGO (Burning Man Honorarium, 2012)[13]
  • Constructed Realities (111 Minna Gallery, 2013)[12]
  • Photo House (SF Camerawork, 2012)[13]

Major exhibitions

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  • No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man
    • Smithsonian Renwick Gallery, Washington, D.C. (2018)[8][9]
    • Cincinnati Art Museum, OH (2019)[14]
    • Oakland Museum of California, CA (2019)[14]
  • Hermitage Museum, Norfolk, VA (2017)[12]
  • McLoughlin Gallery, San Francisco, CA (2016)[12]
  • SLATE Gallery, Oakland, CA (2016)[12]
  • Stephen Cohen Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (2005)[13]

Commissions

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  • Journey to the Cloud (Google Campus, Mountain View, CA, 2018)[10]
  • Keeper of the Wasteland (Electric Forest, Rothbury, MI, 2024)[11]
  • Petaluma Fairgrounds Mural (Petaluma, CA, 2024)[11]
  • Temple of the Inner Heart (Love Burn, Miami, FL, 2025)[11]

Legacy and impact

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Garlington is celebrated for his ability to create evocative, immersive art that challenges conventional boundaries. His contributions to ephemeral art, especially through Burning Man, underscore the power of temporary installations to provoke reflection and foster collective experiences. By merging the macabre with the romantic, Garlington’s works resonate deeply, offering a haunting yet hopeful perspective on the human condition.[3][4][7]

References

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  1. ^ "MICHAEL GARLINGTON: REDIFINING THE FAMILY PORTRAIT | Black & White Magazine | For Collectors of Fine Photography". Black & White. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  2. ^ Templeton, David (2024-09-19). "Petaluma celebrates ribbon cuttings for two new public art pieces". Petaluma Argus-Courier. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  3. ^ a b Schaefer, Brian (2018-03-23). "Will the Spirit of Burning Man Art Survive in Museums?". New York Times. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  4. ^ a b Rosato, Jr., Joe (2023-08-04). "Burning Man artist from Petaluma to end long run with massive tower". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  5. ^ a b c RelmProductions (2011-06-11). Photohouse. Retrieved 2024-11-22 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ a b Rosato, Jr., Joe (2015-07-28). "Artist Builds Macabre Chapel in Petaluma Warehouse". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  7. ^ a b "Portraits from the Belly of the Whale Hardcover". Two for Sea. 2005-01-01. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  8. ^ a b c ""No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man" - Michael Garlington and Natalia Bertotti". Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  9. ^ a b Fonzieland (2016-05-23). A Michael Garlington Trip. Retrieved 2024-11-22 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ a b Stocking, Ben (2024-07-24). "Toby's photo mural captures the people of Point Reyes". Point Reyes Light. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  11. ^ a b c d e Be The Influencers (2019-07-23). No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man Cincinnati Art Musuem. Retrieved 2024-11-22 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ a b c d e "Michael Garlington Transcends Gimmickry in Creating a Powerful "Photohouse"". SF Weekly. 2011-06-21. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
  13. ^ a b c RelmProductions (2012-06-20). EGO - "how to make a golden baby". Retrieved 2024-11-22 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ a b Rosato, Jr., Joe (2017-11-24). "Art of Burning Man Goes to the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
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