Gene VanWyk


    Exemplifying life in rural and industrial America, my work provides insight into the philosophies encountered in this landscape. I merge my background in the study of ethics and logic and create works by bringing to light the life, ethics, and logic of these communities; how does one live ethically in a place like this? With post urbanism on the rise and more people looking to employ sustainability and social equity in their lives, these moments need to be confronted and these questions need to be asked. 
    Using found or repurposed materials, I create small-scale replicas of everyday architectural elements: doorways, windows, telephone poles, billboards, and exhibit them in unexpected positions in relation to the viewer. The scale, placement, and content show the loneliness of these structures we see and use every day but never give a second thought. Their placement in the space plays with the power dynamic that would usually exist between a viewer and work of my scale.
    My work reveals the ghosts of interaction by exploring what remains when utilitarian elements are taken out of their usual context. The physical connection to the gallery environment fosters communication and interaction with other unseen but implied entities when placed within their walls. 
    My practice is driven by my experience with disability and the importance and struggle of communication. My work with apparent lonely communicative structures is a projection of my own experience.

Mt.CrawfordII
AdSpaceForRent
AdvertiseHere
PedestalForSale(Sold)
UntitledLaundromat
UtilityPole
FireEscape
FrameForSale(Sold)
WarehouseAvailable
WouldYouLikeMeToPrayForYou?

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Mt. Crawford II (2024)

wood, glass, metal, paper, plastic, gouache, sandpaper, soil, electrical component

 12 x 10 x 8”



Ad Space For Rent (2022)

wood, paper, gouache

6 x 10 x 3”



Advertise Here (2024)

paper, gouache, acryllic

1.5 x 4”
Pedestal For Sale (Sold) (2024)

oil on plastic, fishing line, nails, found object

dimesions variable
Untitled Laundromat (2023)

oil on board

6 x 6”
Utility Pole (2024)

mixed media, found objects

48 x 12 x 12”
Fire Escape (2022)

metal

18 x 1 x 1”
Frame For Sale (Sold) (2023)

found object, gouache on plastic
Warehouse Available (2023)

1.5 x 5 x 0.25”
Would You Like Me To Pray For You? (2024)

film photography