S.I.R.
Manifest Scholar in Residence
2019/2020
Mike Bale
This year Manifest continues a new branch of its residency program—the Manifest Scholar in Residence (SIR). Mike Bale, a long-time participant, teacher, and member of the Manifest community, was awarded the honor of a year working in Manifest's Scholar in Residence program.
Mike Bale is an artist living and producing work in Newport Kentucky. He received his BFA from Northern Kentucky University. After a Residency in Tetouan, Morocco, he continued to attend open sessions at the New York Studio School, Art Students League of New York, and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Mike went on to instruct both private and Manifest affiliated courses in drawing and painting. His work examines the poetics of observation and spatial construction through figurative narrative paintings. His aim is to compose a reality found only in the painted language. One that diverges from observed reality, but upholds the same sensations and intensity. His influences can be traced back to art history, classic cinema, and social anthropology.
Artist's Statement:
"My work takes a critical view on the poetics of observation and spatial construction. Often in conversation with art historical motifs, my work explores the varying relationships between observed reality and the painting language. My intention is to compose images that uphold and appreciate the sensations that accompany observed reality while simultaneously diverging from reality itself into a purely painted language."
The images pictured at right are a sampling of those submitted with Mike's application.
See more and learn about Mike's work here:
www.instagram.com/miketbale
The Scholar In Residence Program (SIR) at Manifest contrasts with the Artist In Residence Program (MAR) in a number of ways. Primarily the SIR is intended to support the study, practice, and exploration of the artist in one or more focus areas. This may be related to theory, aesthetics/criticism, teaching, studio/curricular operations, or studio-based art making. The nature of each resident's interest and focus will naturally determine the kinds of documentation provided across the year.
Information on how to apply for future SIR or MAR awards can be found here.
