Michael Hoyt | Traffic | Oil on Mylar | 2001

Michael Hoyt
Artists Statement
My work involves representing points of cultural intersection, the hyphen, and how that serves as a reference for the complexities of inter-cultural exchange and the multiplicity of our perceived “American” experiences. 

My recent work is primarily developed through an investigation into the assimilation of knowledge and values, journey, memory, loss, and how we conceive of our personal, cultural, and creative identity across vast geographic, cultural and societal divides.  Creative processes involving painting, mixed media, sound, digital media, and installation have become my tools for developing relationships between diverse cultural values, cumulative personal and cultural experience.  I often draw upon personal experiences, sketches, photo and audio documentation, stories, and objects I've compiled through an ongoing process of information and material gathering in the public domain both in America and abroad.  To me, this process is a frantic assimilation of images, objects, history and experience in an attempt to communicate and manage meaning. 

Recently my work has become more sculptural and environmental in form.  I am interested in exploring ways to better incorporate translucent layering of images onto sculpted forms as well as different ways light, movement and sound can be incorporated to create a more elastic play between; thematic content; 2d, 3d and 4d forms; and the viewers’ presence. 

I am captivated by the multiplicity of human experience and drawn to the potential of public exchange through the creation of art.  I hope that my work can serve as a bridge to engage public participation, wonder, and thoughtful creative discourse.