Michael Friend .COM exhibition opens October 25th

HANCOCK, MI – Finlandia University Gallery will present Michael Friend .COM, an exhibit of large- scale paintings.  .COM will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from October 25 to November 20, 2018.

An opening reception for the public will take place at the gallery on Thursday, October 25th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Michael Friend will present an artist talk beginning at 7:20 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Influenced by Georges Seurat’s technique of Pointillism and Vincent Van Gogh’s rich use of color, Michael Friend creates paintings that are both precise and experimental.  Translating his interest in film animation to 2D work, Friend’s technique of applying a grid structure to the canvas with slow transitions of colored dots creates a slow moving pixilation.  Labor intensive and painted by hand, Friend’s paintings display dynamic color relationships, dimension and ultimately visual poetry.

The artist creates his images by carefully painting a series of small ovals by hand. A grid pattern makes up an underlying structure so that he can concentrate on the dynamic interplay of color, pattern and form. “I became aware of how minor changes in an image create an added vibrancy.” Friend explains, “The subtle alterations of color give dimension to the image.”

Friend calls his artistic technique “dotmation”. It requires a great amount of planning and preparation and even more time in the execution. “There is often an initial misreading when people first see my work.” Friend says. “A cursory glance at my paintings causes viewers to assume that a mechanical or digital process is involved, but nothing could be farther from the truth….Sustaining the level of concentration needed involves dedication and a passion for the art.” Friend explains. “I do it for the love of the art.”

Friend earned his Masters of Art in Art Education from Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. For thirty-five years he taught art and filmmaking in the public schools. Friend’s paintings have been exhibited throughout Michigan, Arizona and Washington and he has participated in Art Prize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Michael Friend .COM will be on display at the Finlandia University Gallery through November 20, 2018.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information, call 906-487-7500 or email gallery@finlandia.edu