Clint Baclawski, Pink Church, 2014
Clint Baclawski is a Boston-based artist whose series of light integrated works take his background in photography and visual arts to new heights. Baclawski received his MFA in 2008 and currently works at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the only free standing public school of art and design in the country.
Clint Baclawski, Chromogenic, 2014
Several works in his “Light Bulbs” series utilize a mirrored Plexiglas with a Dibond backing for rigidity. The works feature a set of light bulbs with rounded photography to create a three-dimensional element to their design.
Clint Baclawski, Thoreau, 2016
“I am always experimenting with methods, formats and materials that push photography to its limits. My most recent work using light bulbs, break those limits altogether. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering spirit of the California Light and Space movement, these three works move the medium into newly deconstructed ground beyond the tradition and constraints of a photographic frame,” Baclawski describes.
Clint Baclawski, Death Valley, 2015
Interestingly, and unlike two-dimensional photographs, the use of light bulbs allow the images to be viewed a full 180 degrees, changing light and perspective based on focal viewpoint. The LED bulbs additionally offer an element of emergent color that’s distinctive against their bold monochromatic backgrounds.
Clint Baclawski, Death Valley, 2015
When describing his decision to use Dibond aluminum composite, Baclawski explains, “Dibond was the perfect solution to an ongoing problem I was experiencing. Plexiglas alone is way too flexible of a material to use all by itself. After researching many different substrates, Dibond was suggested to me by my main photo processing lab and framer at Color Services in Needham. I have been using it as a backer for my Plexiglas work ever since.”
Clint Baclawski, Pink Church, 2014
Dibond was additionally specified for its light weight, ease of fabrication and ease of transport. The transportation component was of great importance due to the shear size of his works. Some pieces measuring 4’x8’, Dibond made “…transport and installation slightly less rigorous,” Baclawski further explains.
Currently he has two of his Dibond-backed series on display in Boston; Thoreau at State Street Bank in Dorchester and Pink Church at Flansburgh Architects in Boston.
Baclawski has an exciting on-site installation coming up this October for Boston’s HUBweek. His exhibit will be inside of a recycled shipping container. He explains, “The repurposing of shipping containers as artistic space sends a message that reinforces the importance of sustainability which my imagery will give a nod to.”
The HUBweek festival takes place in early fall, when Boston’s college students return and have the opportunity to experience the impressive artistic community their city has to offer.
information and photography Clint Baclawski