The Last Crusade

Author/Artist Name

Michael RidenourFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Fall 11-15-2024

Artist Statement

Michael Ridenour

My work comes from imaginative inspiration as well as a personal nostalgia. This visual influence on my work comes primarily from Japanese animation as well as my memories of the visual culture of my youth—I filter these touchpoints through current trends to inspire new work. The vast majority of my art involves drawing with graphite and/or charcoal. My art making reflects critical thinking about my experiences by trying to portray a breadth of emotion in the confined two-dimensional space of a drawing. I am interested in continuing to explore the ideas of childhood nostalgia in my future work. I am attracted to pieces that I can relate with and pay particular attention to work based on popular culture.

I seek consistency in my artwork through the use of a monochromatic color palette and cross-hatched line work. I am attracted to the idea of how nostalgia might lead to a deterioration of stress and relief from some of the strain of life. For instance, in my drawing “Atlas” the central character from the popular video game “Halo” struggles to lift a heavy cinder block over his head but is ultimately caving to the pressure and weight of it. Another work that is influenced by my childhood is the “Back to Square One” piece I centered on the theme of popular trading card games. “Self-Portrait”, inspired by my feelings of finals week where I am a clown. Even though clowns are known for being ridiculous, they have to perform for the audience's expectations. “Confined” which sticks to the limited access of youth where the plush doll is locked in a glass vault for its own protection. But this is also scarring the toy psychologically for not being able to go outside and have fun. Though it is a sort of transition from a previous theme of mythical animals drawn on torn journal pages, it further incorporates some elements of my personal childhood such as a passion for mythology and wildlife.

Some direct influences on my art pieces are from Japanese animation studios, such as the films of Studio Ghibli directed by Hayao Miyazaki that often feature stunning and whimsical scenes that frequently also contain complex symbolism and intense conflict. I am also inspired by character designs made by James Turner for the Pokemon franchise, particularly how he makes his own designs of Pokemon while still maintaining the traditional values and iconography of a very established brand. Speaking of keeping things traditional, my final influence is an American sculptor named Daniel Arsham. Most of his art pieces are based on characters and paraphernalia of popular culture as well as classical art and having them seem to be eroded with crystals exposed. This in a way is relatable in a way with my artwork because it takes these themes of remaking the popular culture and turning them into an ancient.

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Michael Martin, Dr. Katie Knoeringer

Description

RidenourMichael_Back2SquareOne_2023_24x18

RidenourMichael_Self-portraiture_2023_26x33

RidenourMichael_Atlas_2022_18x24

RidenourMichael_Confined_2023_18x24

Recommended Citation

Ridenour, Michael, "The Last Crusade" (2024). B.A./B.S. Practicum Group Exhibit (ART 499). 73.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art499/73