Michael O'Keefe Art

Hybrid II by Polly Little (2022). Plaster and acrylic paint.

This untitled work by Rick Sindt was inspired by the works of Paul Cadmus. It is a small graphite drawing of two male nude figures with both of their faces somewhat obscured during an intimate moment. The graph lines often used by artist are still visible to distinguish between the photographic elements of a Polaroid photo and this actual drawing. The piece is framed in a white float frame measuring 12.5h x 10.5w inches. Rick Sindt Untitled - After Cadmus graphite on panel 10h x 8w in 25.40h x 20.32w cm Shifting the historic male gaze into a male-on-male gaze, this body of work anchors its exploration of queer culture in relationships and introspection. Beginning with a survey of several photo archives, I overwhelmingly encountered pictures that fit into two distinct categories: spectacular demonstrations or public displays of sexuality. All of these images were overtly political. Then, I began to find a subset of more intimate images. Typically, these were images submitted by loved ones or donated to foundations after someone’s death. These images depicted common, tender scenes. Working my way through these images, I reflected on D. A. Miller’s assertion that gay identity, to which we have entrusted our politics and ethics, stands in an essentially reductive relation to the queer desires on which it is based. And David Halperin’s argument that, “identity has become the preferred category for thinking about homosexuality. Moreover, it has been promoted at the direct expense of pleasure or feelings or subjectivity.” This left me asking the questions: how is queer culture transmitted if not genealogically? Is there a universal queer experience? What is queer sensibility and subjectivity and can it be visually represented? In the body of work submitted here, black and white graphite drawings maintain a Polaroid scale referencing the found historical photographs on which they are based, oil paintings provide isolated moments of feeling as they investigate questions about queer dispositions in a contemporary setting, and a few key sketches provide insight into how a few individual inquiries began. Rick Sindt b. 1990, Hastings, MN, EDUCATION 2013 North Park University, Chicago, IL - BFA Magna Cum Laude SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2016 Two Countries, Rogue Philanthropy, Chicago, IL 2013 Tides, Erosion or Catch, Pull, Recover; The-One-Right-Now, North Park University; Chicago, IL GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2016 Are We Not of Interest to Each Other, Uptown Arts Center, Chicago, IL Reinventing Ourselves From Another Point-of-View, Contemporary Gallery at Zhou B. Arts Center, Chicago, IL Collective: Process, Beans and Bagels, Chicago, IL 2015 Collective: for(a)ging, Hammond Art Center; Hammond, IN How We Make It, The Arts of Life, Chicago, IL Collective: One, Albany Park...

"Pause" by Rick Sindt is a small graphite drawing of two male figures - one gazing directly at the viewer. We, the viewer, seem to be interrupting this i...

*New Year Inventory Renewal Sale - 90 Days Until April 30th* *This Price Won't Be Repeated Again This Year* The "Lucky Baby Elephants" series is exclusive of Artist Mauro Ol...

"Knit" by Rick Sindt is a small graphite drawing of two male nude figures. The faces are somewhat obscured as we view this intimate moment. The graph lines often used by artist are...

This layered paper and drawing collage titled "Mass Study II" is an original artwork by Seth Clark made of paper, charcoal, pastel, graphite, and acrylic on wood panel. Using found ...

Michael Azgour is an artist and educator whose work addresses the impact of digital imagery on contemporary culture. His paintings combine evocative, expressive representation with g...

"Daniel #1" is a graphite drawing by Rick Sindt. The two figures, one naked, one fully clothed, are standing in a doorway inviting the viewer in. The graphite is reminiscent of the...

This semi-abstract mixed media painting on cradled wood panel captures the vibrant energy of Singapore's cafes and open-air restaurants, drawing inspiration from the lively Haji Lane...

This blue and gold-colored figurative sculpture titled "Parting Lines" is an original artwork by Jedediah Morfit made of plaster, paint, yarn, and adhesive. This piece measures 38”h x 23"w x 14"d. BIO Jedediah Morfit received his MFA in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2005, where he was awarded the Sylvia Leslie Herman Young Scholarship and the Award Of Excellence. He was a Fellow at the Center For Emerging Visual Artists from 2007-2009, and received a New Jersey Council On the Arts Fellowship for sculpture in 2009. He received the Louise Kahn Award for Sculpture from the Woodmere Art Museum in 2006, and was awarded the Dexter Jones Award for Bas Relief from the National Sculpture Society in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he was commissioned to create a series of new work for Artlantic:Wonder, which was named one of the 50 best...

Benjamin Weaver creates spatial tension through his use of contrasting colors arranged in a geometric framework. Imagery and color work both with and against each other to create mov...

"Reticent" by Rick Sindt is a small graphite drawing of two figures. This deceptively simple drawing is very powerful in its beauty and intimacy. The graph ...