Lexington, KY. - Art lovers and collectors in Lexington have been for several years admiring and avidly collecting his complex, enigmatic art box collages and doll boxes. Mike Goodlett's new works, however, signal a fresh direction and exploration.
Dress Socks and Other Diversions
, currently exhibited at Institute 193 at 193 North Limestone in Lexington, is quite a departure from Goodlett's past work. "I don't know if I will return to the boxes or not," says Goodlett. "I really have to explore this new work and see where it goes." Goodlett is aware that stretching one's self in new directions, exploring new forms and styles, is essential for artistic growth.
The three-dimensional box art pieces Goodlett is known for are labor intensive and took months to complete. They are multi-layered, complex and engaging pieces, creatively framed and filled with intricate cut and folded paper constructions-- flowers, faces, architectural accents, each interior representing a unique atmosphere and playing out a story of the viewer's own making. They have been described as "absorbing and magical." "The boxes were a lot about problem solving for me," says Goodlett. "I worked out engineering and placement problems and also explored questions I had about life and spirituality. I got a lot of those questions answered and as I felt that shift emotionally, I was ready for another challenge."
The new work is a collection of drawings with the addition of thread sewn into the paper. "I saw information about sewing on paper that really interested me. I wanted to work with it. That inspiration got this new work started. The texture is a little like hair, and I like the way it looks with the drawings," adds the artist.
Goodlett is very interested in examining fetishism with this new work. Defined as object inhabited by magical potency, Goodlett explores the drawing as fetish. The biomorphic, often undulating shapes seem animal and human, scientific and erotic. Drawn in red ball-point pen, thread is then layered over the drawings adding texture, suggesting hair or fur and makes the drawings seem like living things.
Goodlett exhibits work in shows regionally as well as in New York and Chicago.
Institute 193, a non-profit contemporary art space, will feature Goodlett's exhibit through November 26th. The gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and by appointment.