Paul Marquardt

“Since the 1980s my work has involved new technologies, including digital media in performances in 1988 and exhibiting my first show of digital images, "X Y Z", at the Leo Kamen Gallery in Toronto in 1989. Since that time I’ve incorporated advanced imaging, digital sound, and interactivity into my work, teaching new media/installation/ performance related classes since 1991. I also have extensive background in traditional art media, having studied and produced work in mixed media, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and photography as well as in new forms of responsive media, still image manipulation, stereo and anaglyph imaging, digital video & sound, MIDI sequencing, and non-standard interfacing.

My current work joins a traditional sensitivity to materials in space and the magic of electronic media with a special interest in applying art to real life, weaving sound, images, movement, and objects into new forms of creative expression. Within that technical framework I am exploring content that is relevant to who we are and our relationships to each other. Much of my new work uses photography and digital processes, such as “Body of Water”, “Chocolate Man”, and “Breakfast of Champions”, which have been exhibited across the United States, including at the Detroit Museum of New Art, the 17th National Photography in Colorado, Gallery Project in Ann Arbor, Print Biennial IV in Chicago, and SOHO PHOTO in New York.

Examples of multidimensional work include a MIDI violin I designed and constructed to trigger events in "When your eyes are closed..." for narrator/violinist and two dancers. Four of my MIDI chairs were used in concert by dancers and musicians in the University of Michigan Digital Music Ensemble and in "Time Trials”, a collaboration with composer Steven Rush and choreographer Patricia Plasko premiered at the Fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists in Toronto. The performance work "fruit baskets", also in collaboration with Ms. Plasko, used props interfaced with a computer to trigger digital sound and premiered at the Fringe Festival in Toronto. Digital sound was similarly important in my responsive installations "Reference Point", "Common Things", and "black art/ white art" exhibited at the International Society of Electronic Artists in Paris.

I enjoy exploring the boundaries of media, aesthetics, and conceptual content. Throughout my career I have created a significant body of work using new and traditional media, installation art, and collaborative performance, however, social dialogue has always remained a vital element in my work. Communicating with people of all ages, nationalities, and persuasions is my primary concern, using visual metaphor, surprising juxtapositions, and humor to comment on social issues. My attempt is to reach the pre-conscious mind where our ideas form, surfacing preconceptions for review and, perhaps, for change.

Images are made in various sizes and editions. Pieces range in price from $650 to $8600.