A Mid-Career Showcase | Cultivate | Exhibition Catalog

Michael Pfleghaar Mid-Career Showcase Oct 27 - December 15, 2023

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Michael Pfleghaar Mid-Career Showcase October 27 - December 15, 2023

620 Wealthy St SE Grand Rapids MI 49503 cultivategrandrapids.org - hello@cultivategrandrapids.org Cover Image: Etagere, 36 in x 36 in, flashe and acrylic on canvas, 2023 1

Artist Statement

Photo by Tim Motley

At a basic level, my practice has always centered around documenting my life. Early on I realized how the things we choose to surround ourselves are a reflection of self. Inanimate objects have always been surrogates for the figure in my work. I tend to compartmentalize the elements in my compositions and thus create a conversation between objects.

Mid-century modern design has influenced my work more significantly than art. Just as simple, hard edges, balance, and organic materials are characteristic of modernism, I approach my compositions with similar approach.

By flattening space, mixed media, and masking the work straddles between realism and abstraction. Depicting scenes of still life and interior subjects focusing most recently on the natural world through botanicals.

- Michael Pfleghaar

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Artist Biography Michael Pfleghaar is an artist living and working in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He received his MFA in visual arts from Lesley University College of Art and Design, in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2011. Michael often depicts botanicals and still lifes, imbuing them with abstract elements and flattened space to create new perspectives. An influence of mid-century modern design can be seen in the clean lines, balance, and organic materials he returns to within his compositions.

In 2023, Pfleghaar was one of four artists chosen to have their work permanently installed as terrazzo floor designs at the Gerald R Ford International Airport. Michael was voted Best Visual Artist by Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2022 Readers Poll. He was also awarded The Best of Show in the 2021 Festival of the Arts and in the West Michigan Area Show at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in Kalamazoo in 2020.

His artwork has been featured in Arcadia Magazine, Studio Visit, Metropolitan Home, Solace, and American Craft. Apple, HBO, CBS, ForeSee, Hayworth, and Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts are a few of the organizations that have utilized Pfleghaar’s artwork as illustrations.

In 2016, Pfleghaar attended the Spread Art Artists Residency in Detroit, MI and in 2013 was awarded the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s Ox-Bow School and Artists Residency in Saugatuck, MI. His work was included in the 2012 LGBTQ exhibition ReMix: Revisiting Appropriation, curated by Jonathan Katz in San Francisco, CA. His original artworks are in permanent collections including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Steelcase Inc., Herman Miller, the State of Michigan and Grand Valley State University.

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Michael Pfleghaar: Mid-Career Showcase With a meticulous interplay of form, color, and space, Grand Rapids-based artist Michael Pfleghaar offers a profound exploration into the essence of life’s moments and memories.

Originally displayed in this Mid-Career showcase presents a vibrant collection, both representational and abstract, capturing life as observed and lived. The central premise of his work suggests that just as objects and spaces form the fabric of our existence, the way they are presented and juxtaposed reveals a landscape of memory, the stories they house, and the emotions they evoke.

Pfleghaar’s eloquent compositions, often inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘ma’ resonate with the influential New Topographics movement’s ethos, drawing attention to the often-overlooked spaces in our lives. His work echoes the thematic and compositional brilliance of photographers like Lewis Baltz and Robert Adams while integrating the modernist thought that art can be both a representation and an entity in its own right.

Born in Ohio, growing up in Northern Michigan, Michael Pfleghaar pursued his passion for art, culminating in a rich academic foundation from the Lesley University College of Art and Design. Over the years, his pieces, a harmonious blend of sleek modern materials and vivid palettes, have graced both group and solo exhibitions nationally. His accolades are numerous, with his work being integral to renowned institutions’ collections such as the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens, and Sculpture Park, as well as the State of Michigan and Grand Valley State University.

Cultivate is thrilled to highlight Michael Pfleghaar’s significant contributions to the contemporary art landscape and takes pride in featuring his exceptional work in this solo exhibition.

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Michael Pfleghaar Mid-Career Showcase October 27 - December 15 2023

To purchase items, please consult with Mallory at hello@cultivategrandrapids.org

Page 5 A 1991 Christmas Cactus 32 x 32 oil on canvas, collection of the artist -----------------------------------B 1993 Anthurium and Mirror 30 x 22 oil on paper C 1993 Lamp and Lily 30 x 22 oil on paper D 1997 Big Plant 44 x 30 oil on paper, private collection

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Page 6 A 1992 Steam 40 x 30 oil on paper, private collection B 1992 Endtable Tango 66 x 44 oil and composition leaf on canvas, private collection C 1993 Tea Dance 66 x 44 oil on canvas, private collection D 1993 Kitchen with Keem 44 x 30 oil on paper, private collection E 1996 Contemporary 38 x 30 oil on paper Page 7 A 1993 Bed Light 44 x 30 oil on paper --------------------------------------------------------------------------B 1993 Lamp Lit Interior 42 x 32 oil on canvas, collection of the artist C 1993 Fireplace Shadows 44 x 30 oil on paper, collection of the artist D 1994 Zinnias and Chairs 30 x 44 oil on paper

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Page 8 1995 Sunlit Interior 60 x 50 oil on canvas, private collection Page 9 A 1999 Wide Interior 2 48 x 96 oil on canvas, private collection B 1999 Wide Interior 1 48 x 96 oil on canvas, private collection C 2004 Interior at Dusk 48 x 48 oil on canvas, private collection D 2001 Chairs and Daisies 44 x 30 oil on paper, private collection Page 10 A 1999 New Apartment 48 x 48 oil on canvas, private collection B 2003 Green Chairs Red Flowers 44 x 30 oil on paper ------------------------------------------------------- $2000.00 C 1999 Square Interior 1 72 x 72 oil on canvas, private collection Page 11 A 2005 Red Chair and Sofa 36 x 36 oil on canvas, private collection B 2005 Interior A to Z 32 x 43 oil on paper C 2002 Reversible Interior 67 x 60 oil on canvas, private collection Page 12 A 2006 Faces in Shadow 50 x 40 oil on paper, private collection B 2006 Living Large 72 x 72 oil on canvas, private collection C 2010 Studio View 63 x 60 oil on canvas, private collection

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Page 13 A 2009 Chicago Condo 30 x 22 oil on paper ------------------------------------------------------------------- $2000.00 B 2009 Vintage Lamp and Chair 30 x 22 oil on paper, collection of the artist C 2009 Lamp Table and Chair 30 x 22 oil on paper Page 14 A 2010 Autumn Room 24 x 36 oil, spray paint, collage on canvas B 2009 Green and Red 36 x 36 oil on canvas, private collection C 2010 Little Red Room 24 x 36 oil, spray paint, collage on canvas ---------------------------------------- $2000.00 Page 15 A 2006 Botanical Unit 48 x 48 oil on canvas, private collection B 2003 Youth (drawing) 30 x 30 oil on paper C 2004 Plant Stand 48 x 48 oil on canvas, private collection Page 16 A 2021-2022 Snake Plants various sizes underglaze on terra cotta 2022 Aqua Snake Plant 18 x 11 flashe and underglaze on stoneware -----------------------------2021 Snake Plant 3 14 x 9 underglaze on stoneware ------------------------------------------------2021 Snake Plant 1 18 x 10 underglaze on stoneware ----------------------------------------------B 2007 Leaf Vessels various sizes underglaze on terra cotta, private collections C 2008 Potted Plants various sizes underglaze on terra cotta, private collections D 2021 Leaf Vessels various sizes underglaze on stoneware, private collections

$550.00 $450.00 $500.00

Page 17 A 2023 Totem Vessels various sizes underglaze on terra cotta B 2022 Leaf Flower Vessels various sizes underglaze on terra cotta 2022 Green Leaf Red Flower Vessel 8 x 10 underglaze on stoneware ----------------------------- $400.00 2022 Blue Leaf Orange Flower Vessel 9.5 x 13 underglaze on stoneware ------------------------- $450.00 2022 Green Leaf Pink Flower Vessel 9.5 x 12 underglaze on stoneware --------------------------- $450.00 Page 18 A 2012 Dining Chair Molded 18 x 18 mixed media on wood, private collection -------------------------2012 Biedermeier on Pink 12 x 12 mixed media on panel, private collection C 2011 Big Biedermeier 24 x 24 mixed media on wood, private collection

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Page 19 A 2017 Plant Stand 3 36 x 36 acrylic and spray paint on canvas --------------------------------------------- $4000.00 B 2017 Plant Stand 2 36 x 36 acrylic and oil on canvas, private collection Page 20 A 2017 Plant Stand 30 x 30 oil on canvas, private collection B 2018 Anthurium 20 x 16 acrylic and flashe on paper, private collection C 2017 Retro Modern Still Life 36 x 36 oil on canvas, private collection D 2017 Purple Play 36 x 36 oil on canvas

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Page 21 A 2018 Brass and Glass Plant Stand 36 x 36 mixed media on canvas B 2018 Ladder Stand 64 x 42 acrylic on canvas C 2018 Brass and Glass 64 x 42 acrylic on canvas D 2018 Brass and Glass Plant Stand 2 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas Page 22 A 2021 Holiday Table 20 x 16 flashe and acrylic on paper B 2021 Candle Glow 20 x 16 flashe and acrylic on paper C 2019 Wire Plant Stand 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas D 2018 Modern Interior with Rubber Plant 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas, collection of the artist E 2023 Chrome and Plastic 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas --------------------------------------- ---- $4000.00 Page 23 A 2021 Sunlit Cactus 2 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas B 2019 Solid Sheer Shine 36 x 36 acrylic, spray paint, and composition leaf on canvas C 2018 Ruby Rubber Plant 20 x 16 acrylic and flashe on paper, private collection D 2019 Solid Liquid Glass 36 x 36 acrylic on canvas Page 24 A 2021 Prickly Pear 3 20 x 16 flashe and acrylic on paper, private collection B 2021 Prickly Pear 2 20 x 16 flashe and acrylic on paper, private collection C 2021 Prickly Pear Cactus 20 x 16 flashe and acrylic on paper, private collection D 2021 Sansevieria in Sunlight 20 x 16 flashe and acrylic on paper Page 25 A 2021 Monstera on Blue 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas B 2023 Succulent Planter 1 26 x 20 flashe on paper ----------------------------------------------------------- $1050.00 C 2023 Long Shadows 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas, private collection D 2023 Succulent Planter 4 26 x 20 flashe on paper ---------------------------------------------------------- $1050.00 Page 26 A 2023 Succulent Planter 3 26 x 20 flashe on paper ----------------------------------------------------------- $1050.00 B 2023 Succulent Planter 2 26 x 20 flashe on paper ----------------------------------------------------------- $1050.00 C 2023 Wonderland 36 x 36 flashe, oil, spray paint, and acrylic on canvas D 2023 Lilies and Lace 36 x 36 flashe, spray paint, and acrylic on canvas ---------------------------------- $4000.00 Page 27 A 2020 Mirrorball 36 x 36 acrylic, spray paint, and flashe on canvas B 2022 Books on Walnut Stool 24 x 24 flashe and acrylic on wood, private collection C 2022 Life with Plants 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas, private collection Page 28 A 2022 Ghost Buster Books 24 x 24 flashe and acrylic on wood, private collection B 2022 Bedside Books 24 x 24 flashe and acrylic on wood -------------------------------------------------- $2000.00 C 2022 Books on Cork Stool 24 x 24 flashe and acrylic on wood ------------------------------------------ $2000.00

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Page 29 A 2023 Thick and Thin 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas -------------------------------------------------- $4000.00 B 2023 The Healing Room 48 x 48 flashe and acrylic on canvas, private collection C 2022 The School of Inspiration 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas, private collection Page 30 2023 Etagere 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas ------------------------------------------------------------- $4000.00 Page 31 A 2021 Corner Home Office 48 x 48 flashe and acrylic on canvas, private collection B 2022 Coatepec Courtyard 36 x 36 flashe and acrylic on canvas C 2020 Sunlight Through Blinds 36 x 36 acrylic on wood panel Page 32 A 2022 In the Spotlight 36 x 36 acrylic and spray paint on canvas B 2022 Black Rose Succulents 36 x 36 acrylic and spray paint on canvas C 2022 In the Sunlight 36 x 36 acrylic and spray paint on canvas Page 33 2022 Light Play 1 48 x 48 flashe, spray paint, and acrylic on canvas, private collection Page 34 2022 Light Play 2 48 x 48 flashe, spray paint, and acrylic on canvas ---------------------------------------- $5500.00

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620 Wealthy St SE Grand Rapids MI 49503 cultivategrandrapids.org - hello@cultivategrandrapids.org

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