ARTIST STATEMENT
One of the themes I regularly return to is the relationship we have to the world we live in because of its constant, dynamic flux. The connections we have to other people have become broader because of the internet and the increasing inclination to live in cities but they have also become shallower due to the decrease in communities and deeper communication. We are more informed than ever, from world events to an acquaintance’s vacations, but I believe we’re also more isolated in our selves. We share freely our snapchat happiness but conceal our struggles, whether active or emotive, in order to maintain an exactly edited outward appearance.
The effect that this world we live in has on our mental health, both collectively and individually, is recognized in major crises such as the pandemic of the past few years and the growing eco-anxiety that is becoming more prevalent. However, the smaller crises that each of us deal with on a more regular basis are often proportionately disregarded, leaving us to cope with grief, trauma, addiction, or general malaise on our own. Art has the potential to remind us of reasons to hope and overcome, as well as the ability to normalize the mental health experiences that so many go through but so few feel comfortable talking about.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
G. E. Vogt originally trained as a performance artist with a focus on socio-political themes. In order to create this highly physical performance art, she gathered “found” materials from varied sources until the performances became living collages, telling visceral stories. The unique ability of collage to juxtapose complementary and contradictory elements to explore a multi-faceted theme is what drew Vogt to working in collage exclusively.
Since 2017, she has exhibited in various juried exhibitions across the US, as well as participated in a dual exhibition at Fresh Paint Gallery in La Jolla, California. In addition to participating in panels and residencies focused on collage, in 2021 she began directing the annual “Politics in Collage” Artist Residency with Kolaj Institute. Her works continue to explore the themes she has been consistently interested in which have become increasingly relevant – the unmanageable socioeconomic gap, the various forms of inequality prevalent in the U.S, and the toxicity of our political climate. Vogt currently resides in San Diego, CA.
© Gretchen Vogt