Each panel is hand-cut with intricate designs, drawing from geometric motifs, intuitive abstraction, hex-protection symbols, and visual references to portals and windows. The tradition of papercutting is both the technical foundation and a rich cultural lineage for [Intuitive Patterns]. One of the oldest papercraft traditions, papercutting is over 2,500 years old and still practiced in cultures worldwide…Tyvek [acts as] a contemporary stand-in to actual fiber-based paper and is chosen for its durability, integrity and tensile strength.
—Michael Velliquette
Wisconsin-based Michael Velliquette has created an installation for RAM’s Windows on Fifth Gallery that reflects his interest in color theory, pattern-making, and papercraft. Building on a long-term relationship with paper—studying its history and physical capabilities—Velliquette transfers his knowledge to light durable Tyvek panels that he has cut into compelling designs. In addition, he plays with the perceptual possibilities of color as he presents the intensely saturated panels in arrangements that will change midway through this year-long exhibition.
Artist Bio
Interested in the “fantastic, esoteric, mythic, and spectacular,” Michael Velliquette (1971 – ) uses cut paper to create books, two-dimensional reliefs, and three-dimensional sculpture. Investigating the potential of color as a spiritual and metaphorical tool, he plays with it while also exploring pattern and design. In past work, Velliquette has included animals, such as the birds in one of the pieces in RAM’s collection, as both representations of themselves and as a means to address social and cultural standards. With his most recent work, Velliquette foregrounds labor, process, and materiality. Rather than planning and drawing studies, he allows works “to accrue cut-by-cut and piece-by-piece” in a process that he refers to as “slow-motion improvisation.” Velliquette has a studio in Madison where he is an Assistant Professor of Foundations in the Art Department at UW-Madison, participates in numerous exhibitions and residencies, and is a member of the Guild of American Papercutters and the Paper Artist Collective. He is represented in RAM’s collection by 5 works.
Platinum Partners—Anonymous, The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd, Ron and Judith Isaacs, Racine Community Foundation, The Estate of Marilyn Rothschild, Windgate Foundation; Diamond Partners—David Charak, Ruffo Family Foundation, Ruth Arts Foundation, Travel Wisconsin, Diane Zebell; Gold Partners—Judith and David Flegel Fund, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, Reliance Controls Community Fund, W.T. Walker Group, Inc.; Silver Partners—Anonymous, Anonymous, Bader Philanthropies, Baird, A.C. Buhler Family, Dave’s Wine Garage, Paula and E.L. Donovitz Memorial Endowment Fund, Ben and Dawn Flegel, Tom Harty, Horizon Retail Construction, Inc., Johnson Financial Group, Robert E. Kohler Jr. Fund, Luanne Frey and Mark Lukow, Sheri and Frank Sullivan, Visit Racine County, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Partners—Sandy and Gus Antonneau, Carol Baylon, Susan Boland, Rose and Peter Christensen, Educators Credit Union, Julia Ann Oas and Don Gloo, Carol Griseto, Hitters Baseball, Debbie and Chuck Hoffman, Susan and Dan Horton, Gary Van Wert and Ronald Jacquart, SC Johnson, Paula Kalke, Bill and Debbie Keland, Nancy Kurten, Susan Manalli, Norbell Foundation, O&H Danish Bakery, Rita Petretti, Rasmussen Diamonds, Harold and Lois Solberg, E.C. Styberg Foundation, Twin Disc, Marc J. Wollman, Amy and Robb Woulfe; Media Sponsor—Radio Milwaukee
