Michael Bishop

Artist Statement

Artist Statement (dance)

As a choreographer I feel it is my duty to present works that speak to the human experience. My work, being that it is socially driven, reflects the racial, economic, moral, and political issues of our time drawing parallels to the past and questioning just how far we are perceived to have come. In my practice I investigate the subject matter through the lens of forward thinking, questioning how what we do now will affect our future. It is from this perspective that I engage with movement. Utilizing quirky, innovative and dynamic movements to symbolize the raw qualities of life, I ask these questions, “who are we?” and “where are we going?” In my research and development for my projects I am searching not for THE answer, yet for the possibilities of hope. Can there be hope if all we know is tragedy? Through hope everything is possible. We already know the answers so it's not the answers we are in need of, it’s hope. MLK fought for civil rights because he hoped we could unify, many founding fathers fought in the Revolutionary War because they hoped for freedom from an oppressive government, so much of human history starts with someone daring to hope for something better. It is my obligation as an artist to continue to provide hope while challenging perspectives and daring, myself, to hope for something better. I divide the space through my choreography to create drama for the eye making every moment seem fresh. I layer the choreography on top of itself intricately bringing in solos and duets to break up the ensemble moments like a needle being threaded through fabric. I do this while keeping percussive movements and tableaus throughout to underline the narrative. I like a minimalist approach to design and production as to give the purest presentation of the work possible.

Artist Statement (art/sculpture)
Similarly to my choreographic works, my sculptural work is socially driven, reflecting racial, economic, moral, and political issues. My work challenges one to step outside of their own experience to understand another's. Through the use of mixed materials, I create works full of texture that evoke emotions that demand attention and in that attention, begs for understanding. Currently I have focused on texture and minimalism in my approach to keep the focus on the subject matter of the work. Using color as a highlight and not a main focal point, the viewer is encouraged to dive deeper into the texture and structure of the work. Through this you see the effort that went into its creation and it is this effort that coincides with the meaning behind the subject matter. The effort it will take for humanity to truly heal. In addition, removing color as a main component opens the door for the viewer to see themselves, rather than someone else they can't relate to, within the work they are interacting with. My work always leads to the question, “How can we heal”?