"Object permanence" is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be observed. In our increasingly digitized culture, established behaviors and societal norms are under constant assault by accelerating technological development. Is the pace of this development outstripping our ability to soberly cope with the changes that confront us?
A full-sized replica of a whaling boat hangs from the ceiling, fabricated of vinyl home siding and engraved with images and text exploring the intertwined stories of labor, consumerism and the environment. This is the focus point,along with new engraved work from the Dead Laptop Series, engraved ipod light sculptures, and more. Dinges works primarily in the tradition of the 19th century sailor's art of scrimshaw and the soldier's folk art style of trench art in order to explore the legacy of the industrial revolution and its effects on society.
Michael Dinges received his Bachelors degree from the Art Center College of Design in 1982 and his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Chicago in 2005. He has exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions in Chicago, Detroit, New York and Miami as well as Vancouver B.C. He received an Artists Fellowship Award from the Illinois Arts Council as well as a residency at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center Arts/Industry Program.
