Joshua Wilichowski
Visual Artist: Drawing Illustration; Visual Artist: Mixed Media; Visual Artist: Painting
My work results from the search for a chink in a man’s façade, the little respites that are accentuated by a burst of honesty. These truths are often an inner commentary that contains personal affirmations, lamenting, failed goals, and miscued comebacks. It is a clear glimpse of a man’s personal substance without the muddiness of overcompensation. Albeit rare and fleeting, these truthful moments are used as a tool for coping with what is important.
The exploration of this phenomenon has been in conjunction with what I consider to be machismo-related objects. Even through these items are mass-produced, they each contain character through age, use, and presentation. By juxtaposing these momentary truths against images of these parts and machines, I create allegories that document the search for identity and worth within the submission to a stereotype.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin –Madison with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1998. I returned to Madison to earn both a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture and drawing in 2006 and 2007 respectively. I maintain an active studio practice, and my work has been exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally. My newest research interest investigates connections between gender, societal norms, and transference. I currently live and work in Stillwater, MN.
