Michael Paul Oman-Reagan
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Michael Paul Oman-Reagan (born 1976) is an American post-minimal conceptual artist and Curator.
Michael Paul Oman-Reagan is known[1] for his work around socio-cultural and anthropological themes. His most acclaimed series thus far has been his "Communication Project," where Oman-Reagan communicated with gallerists, art institutions and dedicated cultural spaces through the installation of art objects on or near their buildings.
Born in Columbia, Missouri, Oman-Reagan's family moved to Baker City, Oregon when he was five years old. His parents, both anthropologists, introduced him to sociocultural analysis at an early age. After his youth in Eastern Oregon he lived and studied in Denmark with artist and theorist (and art therapist) Ingrid Dehli (formerly Ingrid Kolbye). His time living in (and subsequent travel to) Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland continues to influence the formal aesthetic of his work.
Following studies in Biology and Philosophy at Reed College in Portland, Oregon he lived in Utah and Idaho while studying minimalism and the conceptual movements of the 1970s at the local university library. He has referenced his participation in the realization of a Sol LeWitt wall drawing as a strong early influence on both the minimal tendency of his work as well as the participatory nature of his projects.
Oman-Reagan founded Field (Field Gallery) in Portland, Oregon and as the founder and curator of a gallery for emerging contemporary art, was involved in Portland’s millennial art renaissance.
Currently the artist lives and works in New York City and maintains a relationship with the art community in Portland, Oregon. His "Communication Project" has included installations in the public space surrounding or inside of galleries, institutions and art neighborhoods including PDX Contemporary Art, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, Portland Art Museum, Chelsea, The New Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Palais de Tokyo, Art Chicago, Art|Basel.
[edit] Quotes
"The art-world is rife with politicking. Ostensibly curators engage in acts of selection for the welfare of the artist. The act of selection, however, often creates a transformative rather than a transactional relationship between artist and exhibition space. A curator should be a conduit for democratic dialogue, not a "decider". -Michael Paul Oman-Reagan [2]
[edit] Quotes About
"He and I talk[ed] about anthropology, Gerhard Richter and the question of whether artists should strive for a recognizable style (I say yes; he says no)." -Richard Speer[3]
[edit] Trivia
Oman-Reagan is a descendant of Angelina Morgan, relative of Henry Morgan through the Oman family of the Orkney Islands. Notable Omans include Charles Oman and Oman-Reagan's grandfather, the entomologist Paul W. Oman.
[edit] References
- ^ Jeff Jahn (2003-01-01). Eyeing the Portland art scene Potential hullabaloo in 2003?. Retrieved on 2007-02-17.
- ^ T.J. Norris (2006-05-01). The Oregonian. Retrieved on 2006-05-01.
- ^ Richard Speer (2003-11-12). FIRST THURSDAY'S FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Romping through the Pearl in search of good art and good vibes.. Retrieved on 2007-02-17.
