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Always unique and innovative, Senagalese artist Michel Delgado began talking about the black spots on the sidewalks around Key West in the summer of 2007. He was fascinated to learn that they were pieces of gum. Soon, he describes, that he could not go anywhere without seeing these black blobs and there were thousands of them everywhere, according to his count. Delgado rarely closes a door on something that intriques or captures his imagination to that degree and the more he wandered the streets looking at the gum imprints and pressings the more he began to explore the history, use and medium of sun-dried gum.
Ultimately, there were narratives in what he saw: gum that had been annoyingly scraped across the cement after someone accidentally stepped into it, along with all the frustration and chaos that comes out of what he readily admits is something he finds funny.
Delgado's process is detailed, beginning with stalking the gum on the sidewalks of Key West that capture his attention. He photographs them, turns them into a transparency to make a silk screen film and then inks each image only once onto watercolor paper. The paintings that emerge when he puts his brush to the paper are as he says like something from another world. The most difficult challenge to date is that the artist uses black very freely in all his paintings but in this body of work the only black that exists is from the original gum imprint itself.
Ultimately, there were narratives in what he saw: gum that had been annoyingly scraped across the cement after someone accidentally stepped into it, along with all the frustration and chaos that comes out of what he readily admits is something he finds funny.
Delgado's process is detailed, beginning with stalking the gum on the sidewalks of Key West that capture his attention. He photographs them, turns them into a transparency to make a silk screen film and then inks each image only once onto watercolor paper. The paintings that emerge when he puts his brush to the paper are as he says like something from another world. The most difficult challenge to date is that the artist uses black very freely in all his paintings but in this body of work the only black that exists is from the original gum imprint itself.
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- Artist_Habitat
- 1 month ago
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I've been a fan and friend of Michel for quite a few years. His art work has taught me how look behind the veils of reality into another dimension as real as the keys I punch here with my fingers. Gum art is a natural progression for Michel. If it were by anybody else, it would seem gimmicky, but for Michel, the gum image is a seed that will sprout into another fantastical image straight from his subconscious.
I know no other artist who's able to create so prolifically and without judgment. If it's by Michel, the work is pure and honest. I'm convinced he is one of the most significant new artist is America and I can't wait to see his newest series.
Richard King,
Friend, Fan and Collector
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- ginsengthecat
- 1 month ago
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This is art that is inspired and inspires.... Original, thought-provoking and just plain fun. It challenges me, as an artist, to be more open and aware. What a wonderful playground this man's mind must be!
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Michel never ceases to suprise and inspire. This video makes me restless and excited to see the finished pieces and the next video in his journey as an explorer and an artist. He is a master of taking the ordinary and making it special. Something like gum artifacts, ordinary to most becomes a medium for artistic expression. This work has tremendous potential. Hearing him speak honestly of his own experiences with the disposal of gum and his experience with gum in the hair as a boy, are bold and grand. It is a shame there isn't more artwork out there pushing the limits of our perceptions and fears.
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- jonzuckerman
- 1 month ago
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I've watched Michel develop as an artist over several years. It is fun to see the various threads of his artistic expression utilized in his Gum Art series. Form, fantasy & social commentary turned into playful art. Well done!
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interesting concept; real and imaginative --it brings life to something which appears to have no life --images of dried-up sidewalk gum which the average person would give no thought to.
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Michel creates art that always evokes a visceral reaction. Gum art???? Who else could see art in that....I love this. It tickles me.
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- SusanDempsey
- 1 month ago
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I agree with everyone above. As Michel's daughter I can personally relate to his corky and unique humor! He always suprises me on ways he takes his art to a brand new level. So for taking a chance and investigating the " life of sidewalk gum ", I respect him. Great Job !
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- keywestmalika91
- 1 month ago
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I am just getting to know Delgado's work. I love the concept of gum art. I thought the silk screening process from the gum photo compositions was beautiful in and of itself. The concept clearly has room for lots of play and investigation. I love Delgado's openness- he watches, sees, appreciates and interprets small moments of life we encounter everyday.
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I've been a fan of Michel's work for some time. He is a fascinating artist with intense, personal stories in all of his art. Big fan.
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- the_big_lebowski
- 1 month ago
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Beautiful story...and perspective. I would never think of sidewalk gum as art. Now I do!
Give thanks for your creativity and artistry Michel. Also, the video is well done...when can we expect to see part 2?
Blesss
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i have known Michel, a fellow artist for slightly over a year, and his creativity is expansive and unique. It took awhile for me to relate to his work, but once i got it i really can appreciate his genius. His gum art series is totally unique and very fresh. i was actually in Key West in February and saw the beginnings of the series, and i felt like, why didnt't i think about that! It's great art.
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- williamkwamenapoh
- 1 month ago
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What a fabulous concept. Michel is so innovative. After following his work for years, I am still surprised by his originality. He has a vision for turning the ordinary into the spectacular. Loved watching the process--looking forward to part 2.
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