ABOUT
Michel Droge is a painter and printmaker whose work engages with the environment and ideas of multi-species, non-binary, and entangled life systems. Inspired by the landscape, mapping and environmental research, their large scale abstract paintings unravel existing grids and structures and make way for new ones that are emerging. In an effort to de-master the landscape they model a queer matrix in conversation with nineteenth century landscape schools and naturalists.
An element of Michel’s practice is collaborative engagement with scientific researchers, conservation groups and communities including the Bigelow Laboratories, Eastport Health Care, and Maine Audubon, as well as ongoing collaboration with their partner and archaeologist Sarah Loftus.
Michel is the recipient of a Joan Mitchell Foundation award, a co-recipient of a Kindling Fund grant and three Maine Arts Commission grants. They have been awarded fellowships and residencies at Surfpoint, Ellis-Beauregard Foundation, Hewnoaks Residency, The Tides Institute, The Joseph Fiore Foundation, The Stephen Pace House and the Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts. Their work has been included in national and international exhibitions amongst which include The Cue Art Foundation, Bates College Art Museum, University of Maine, Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA, Maine Jewish Museum, Boston University and Brandeis University.