Artist Lecture 1

Morgan McAulsan and Jack Daws: The View Without Lecture

            Morgan McAulsan spoke at the University of Nevada regarding his exhibit The View Without. Morgan began his art by “dismantling and collecting” as well as “digging through the trash”. He says, “I really wanted to fabricate my own world”. And that is exactly what he does. He is extremely imaginative and detailed in his work. One of his pieces in the exhibit, a windmill that looks like it is made out of metal but it is actually paper, shows his devotion to detail.

His imagination has lead him to collect items such as Tupperware, color coded tags from box tops and cardboard. He says he is “constantly organizing things”. It is fascinating that he has taken such an interest in such seemingly mundane items. He turns ordinary objects into treasured creations. Even his collecting seems like a form of art. The pictures of his collections are sorted and colorful. McAulsan goes on to say that “art is documentation of past and present”. His art is a “fabricated reality”. His art isn’t perfect and he “relishes in mistakes”.

            Jack Daws also spoke about his artwork in the exhibit. Jack Daws’ art is very political, but with a witty edge. He has made pieces that range from a French fry model of the World Trade to a gumball machine filled with drugs. His work pushed cultural and societal boundaries. He says that “intention is critical” in regards to his work. His art is political and makes statements strong statements on current issues such as war.

He says he makes pieces because “they have a nice charge”. He also says, “I draw disapproval from both sides...I’m not going to censor myself”. Even though is artwork does not appeal to everyone it is good to see artists who do not censor themselves due to society. His artwork starts dialogues. That is one of the most important things that art can do for society, is to get people talking.