Intrepid Wonder 2016
I’m trying to create a visual chronicle of the spirit and character of our time and place; to show who passed through here in the early years of the 21st century; to commemorate who we were and illuminate some moments of the lives we led
— Michael Hoeye .
I’m trying to create a visual chronicle of the spirit and character of our time and place; to show who passed through here in the early years of the 21st century; to commemorate who we were and illuminate some moments of the lives we led
— Michael Hoeye .
Angels Passing is an ongoing portrait of my community which is centered around my hometown of Portland. These are people I pass in the street, around the market, on the square, at the county fair. Strong, happy, dignified, funny, elegant, hopeful, dreamy, mischievous. I hope I’ve done them justice—caught even a tiny fraction of the magic they bring to the city we share.The idea behind this work came to me while I was sitting on the crowded plaza by the Galata Bridge in Istanbul. I was watching the endless stream of people walking by, crossing each other’s paths, weaving in and out of each other’s lives moment by moment. And it struck me that this impossibly complicated social dance was deeply beautiful and satisfying to behold.
This was where beauty was for me. Not in theoretical analysis nor the history of art. But in the mystery of the human figure, the nuances of gesture, expression and character. It wasn’t an intellectual realization. It was an emotional revelation of connection among all of us who inhabit this planet. I felt as though angels were passing by me. The feeling was delight. And delight became the key to everything that came after.
This was where beauty was for me. Not in theoretical analysis nor the history of art. But in the mystery of the human figure, the nuances of gesture, expression and character. It wasn’t an intellectual realization. It was an emotional revelation of connection among all of us who inhabit this planet. I felt as though angels were passing by me. The feeling was delight. And delight became the key to everything that came after.
Angels Passing moves to the Umpqua Community College Gallery in Roseburg, Oregon on February 14 and will be on exhibit there until March 16. The installation has expanded to include three new series — Intrepid Wonder, Manly and Gravitas.
