Boston-based artist Clint Baclawski continues to fascinate us with his dynamic ability to elevate his signature artistic style. Having featured the artist numerous times, Baclawski’s latest works Dwelling and Greener Pastures were completed just two months ago. Both are currently on display in a group exhibition at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in Indiana entitled The National: Best Contemporary Photography 2018.
Greener Pastures, 2018, Green-mirrored Plexiglas, Dibond, Archival Pigment Backlight prints, clear polycarbonate tubes, 2’ LED light bulbs, oak, toggle switch, concrete, green bucket, Stinger cable
Greener Pastures differs greatly from Baclawsi’s previous works and was inspired by display signs. The artist explains, “I’ve been paying closer attention to display signs—from billboards to construction sites— as to how they convey a temporary message.”
Greener Pastures, 2018, Green-mirrored Plexiglas, Dibond, Archival Pigment Backlight prints, clear polycarbonate tubes, 2’ LED light bulbs, oak, toggle switch, concrete, green bucket, Stinger cable
…”In addition it’s a nod to the structure I photographed, a foundation of a porch leading to the remnants of a trailer home.” Using concrete in a bucket to mimic a concrete foundation, the base took some finessing Baclawski admits to achieve the perfection his pieces require.
Dwelling, 2018, Smoke-Mirrored Plexiglas, Dibond, Archival Pigment Backlight Prints, clear polycarbonate tubes, 3′ LED bulbs
Dwelling has an intimacy to it; its context is more personal to the artist. The photograph used and even the finished works’ placement was purposeful to Baclawski. To commemorate a tipi structure his in-laws were married in four decades ago, his father-in-law re-erected the structure in his own backyard in 2017.
Dwelling, 2018, Smoke-Mirrored Plexiglas, Dibond, Archival Pigment Backlight Prints, clear polycarbonate tubes, 3′ LED bulbs
Baclawski captured the moment and describes, “I knew I wanted the structure of the panels and the layout of the bulbs to mimic the shape of the tipi in some sense. This is also my first piece that I felt inspired to place on the ground and not hang on the wall, directly inspired by the physical structure that exists on ground level.”
Dwelling, 2018, Smoke-Mirrored Plexiglas, Dibond, Archival Pigment Backlight Prints, clear polycarbonate tubes, 3′ LED bulbs
Baclawski’s works are the result of his travels, transforming his own photography into dimensional installations. From pieces that hang to immersive experiences like Zephyr to signage-inspired displays like Greener Pastures, Baclawski innovates and elevates his own style. We look forward to his future travels and hope they yield a plethora of new-inspired works.
all information and photography ©Clint Baclawski