Donovan Widmer: Small Metals

Sept. 10 – Dec. 22, 2011

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Donovan Widmer’s current artwork examines how ideologies evolve. He is interested in the ways belief systems are impacted, modified and negated by external institutions such as philosophy, science and religion. The individual artworks are an assemblage of appropriated images and materials that are deconstructed and combined with fabricated elements. These elements are constructed through traditional metalsmithing processes—a practice as significant as the end product. Within all of Widmer’s work he attempts to strike a balance between moral and social flaws, as well as the persistence and integrity that constructively advances our culture. The images and objects are meant to be amusing, sardonic and peculiar. Widmer examines the causes and effects that the progression of new knowledge has on our ideologies.

Donovan Widmer: Small Metals presents works from his current series of works. Chainmail are recreations of common objects in the historically prevalent form of armor—chainmail. The Transcience series are sculptures constructed to prolong ephemeral phenomena or display the residue of their degeneration processes. In the Ornamentation series, works explore ornamentations as both subject and object. The Production series includes one-of-a-kind and found object jewelry.

Widmer is an Assistant Professor of Metalsmithing at the University of North Dakota.  His degrees in metalsmithing are from Illinois State University (2002) and Edinborough University of Pennsylvania (1996).  He has exhibited nationally in solo, two-person and group exhibitions.

 

Click here for the Donovan Widmer: Small Metals curricular guide

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Images:

 

Left: Donovan Widmer (American), The Cycle Has Been Completed, 2008, sterling silver, brass, cork, glass, moss, flowers, 5 x 5 x 2-1/2 inches, courtesy of the artist

Top right: Donovan Widmer (American), A Possible Contamination, 2008, sterling silver, brass, cork, glass, water, mold, 4-1/2 x 6-1/2 x 12-1/2 inches, courtesy of the artist

Bottom right: Donovan Widmer (American), Amo Te Super Omnia, 2010, 18 Karat gold, brass, diamond, human rib, wood, felt, 5 x 10 x 4-1/2 inches, courtesy of the artist

 

Funded in part by Exxon and the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum.