Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2024
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
I am Micah Mickles, a mixed-media visual artist in St. Louis, Missouri. My artwork is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and serves as a memorial and monument to counteract the enduring effects of grief and loss. What sets my work apart is the transformative impact of my everyday encounters, inspired by my 14 years of experience working at Trader Joe's. These encounters have led me to reflect on my profound connections with diverse communities. By delving into the hidden narratives of mundane materials encountered in the workplace, I prompt a reexamination of convenience and supply chain origins. Inspired by the iconic artwork of Andy Warhol, my artistic evolution led to a deeper exploration of food as case studies, unraveling stories of history and exploitation. Ultimately, my artwork bridges past and present, drawing from childhood memories of frozen homes and abandoned spaces to evoke themes of nostalgia, time, and memory. My abstract works invite viewers to contemplate the intersection of personal narrative, community connection, and artistic expression in exploring memory and identity.
Language
English
Program Chair
Lisa Bulawsky
Thesis Text Advisor
Meghan Kirkwood
Thesis Text Advisor
Meghan Kirkwood
Faculty Mentor
Meghan Kirkwood
Committee Member
Jack Risley
Committee Member
Sage Dawson
Recommended Citation
Mickles, Micah, "Cliffhanger" (2024). MFA in Visual Art. 26.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mfa_visual_art/26
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Africana Studies Commons, Art and Materials Conservation Commons, Art Practice Commons, Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Graphic Design Commons, Industrial and Product Design Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Printmaking Commons, Sculpture Commons
Artist's Statement
Life is my fundamental material, shaping sculptures, fiberworks, and prints that archive a unique history deeply intertwined with mine. As a mixed-media artist, I am not just a creator but a storyteller. I breathe new life into lost and found objects, transforming them into vibrant narratives. Each piece is a testament to my deep appreciation for untold stories and my exploration of family traditions. Rayfield's Chamber 2024 is not merely a fusion of personal loss and cultural inspiration. It is my transformative journey, a response to a devastating flood that swept through our home, obliterating my father's possessions. Driven to preserve his legacy, I was compelled to archive his life's work, infusing these forgotten archives with my history. The result is a poignant story woven with my family's traditions through sculpture, fiber, and printmaking. My practice is not just about healing; it's about providing hope and self-discovery. The journey toward self-discovery and liberation can be genuinely transformative, especially when one embraces vulnerability and explores one's creativity.