Cincinnati artist and RWC professor H. Michael Sanders is seeking collaborators for his latest conceptual artwork, Automotive Entomological Paintings. No artistic ability is necessary, Sanders says, but the artists do need a car, the ability to supply a 3.5″ x 5″ photo of themselves and their vehicle, and the willingness to drive at least 10 miles outside I-275. A sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.
Starting May 1 and continuing through September, 2007 more than 100 artist/drivers will affix a small 6″ x 8″ prepared canvas (supplied by Sanders) to the grills or bumpers of their cars and collect insects and other roadway debris as they create “chance” paintings. These paintings will be exhibited along with photographs of the artists/drivers and their vehicles, log sheets of the trips, and a master map of all the art-driven driving.
Sanders comments, “While this is serious art based on post-modern concerns of chance, and the importance of concept in the construction of art, the basic idea is to bring art more fully into everyday life and have a little fun. Even esoteric art can be touched with humor.”
The centerpiece of the project will be a continuous, 24-hour marathon drive around Cincinnati to “paint” a large 30″ x 40″ canvas. Sanders and his support team, wearing NASCAR-style jumpsuits, will make arranged stops around Cincinnati for the public and the media to observe the art in progress. This event will be video-taped for the exhibition.
Paintings will be reviewed by an entomologist, an art critic or historian, a professional driver, a professional automobile cleaner, and an animal rights activist. Their comments on each “painting” will become part of the exhibition. Each month of the project, selected individual artists/drivers will receive special recognition for their “paintings.”
In addition to artists/drivers, Sanders needs sponsors for Automotive Entomological Paintings. Sponsors’ logos will be displayed during the 24-hour marathon drive and will be featured in the gallery exhibition and documentary video.
For additional information, contact Michael Sanders, PO Box 429201, Cincinnati, OH 45242. He may be reached by telephone at (513) 936-1602 (office), (513) 683-9792 (studio), or (513) 477-9779 (cell), or by email at .