The Evolution of My Abstract Works: Introducing "Specters of Society"

Introducing Myself. Hello, Akron, Ohio! I’m Michael Clingerman, a new artist in your vibrant community specializing in color field painting and sculpture! With a deep-rooted passion for art and a rich background in meditation, my work explores the serene and transformative power of color.

“Untitled” work by Michael Clingerman. Part of a series of pieces in oil based clay for bronze. Seattle 2024. Available by commission in any size.

As an artist, I've always been fascinated by the interplay between form, space, and societal dynamics. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to my latest series, "Specters of Society," which represents a significant evolution in my approach to abstract sculpture.

This collection emerged from my deep desire to explore the unseen forces shaping our social fabric. Each piece in the "Specters of Society" series physically manifests the intangible structures, hierarchies, and relationships that govern our daily interactions. The stark, geometric forms you'll encounter are not merely aesthetic choices; they serve as metaphors for the rigid frameworks we often navigate in society.

“Untitled” work by Michael Clingerman. Part of a series of pieces in oil based clay for bronze. Seattle 2024. Available by commission in any size.

One of the most striking aspects of this series is the interplay between positive and negative space. Moving around each sculpture, you'll notice how the voids become as crucial as the solid forms. This deliberate use of negative space is my way of highlighting the importance of what's left unsaid or unacknowledged in our social discourse. It's an invitation to you, the viewer, to consider the gaps in our collective narrative and to question the structures we often take for granted.

The materials I've chosen for "Specters of Society" are integral to its message. The cold patina of industrial bronze represents the unyielding nature of established societal norms, while the occasional use of more organic material symbolizes the human element—our capacity for growth, change, and resistance against rigid structures. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a tension that I hope will provoke thought and discussion among viewers.

“Untitled” work by Michael Clingerman. Cast Bronze.  Berkeley CA 2018. Available by commission in any size.

I invite you to experience "Specters of Society" not just as a collection of sculptures but as a starting point for dialogue. Each piece is an opportunity to reflect on our place within the larger social context, to question the invisible forces that guide our interactions, and perhaps to imagine new ways of relating to one another. As you explore this series, I encourage you to bring your own experiences and interpretations to the work. After all, art is a conversation, and I'm excited to hear what "Specters of Society" says to you.

View the full body of work.

“Untitled” work by Michael Clingerman. Part of a series of pieces in oil based clay for bronze. Seattle 2024. Available by commission in any size.