Michael Velliquette’s intricate paper sculptures have captivated audiences with their mesmerizing geometric motifs. Utilizing metallic coated paper, Velliquette creates cut, notched, perforated, and layered pieces that come together to form mandala-like compositions. His latest exhibition, “The Light That Sees,” at the Duane Reed Gallery, explores themes of consciousness and light, inviting viewers to contemplate the subtle interplay between perception, material, and our connection to nature.
Velliquette’s work often features repeated shapes such as eyes, stars, and circles, arranged in intricate patterns that evoke a sense of meditative symmetry. These shapes, ranging from hole-punched triangles to whimsical flowers with faces, create a visual language that speaks to the artist’s exploration of interiority and awareness. Through meticulous cutting, shaping, and layering, Velliquette’s sculptures serve as meditative objects that encourage viewers to not just look, but truly see the intricate details and layers of meaning within each piece.
In “The Light That Sees,” Velliquette’s sculptures invite viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level, prompting them to contemplate the relationship between light, perception, and consciousness. The exhibition showcases 21 new works that showcase the artist’s mastery of paper as a medium for exploring complex themes in a visually captivating way.
From towering structures that seem to rotate with multiple circular layers to compositions that feature faces and profiles rotating around a central orb, Velliquette’s paper sculptures are both visually striking and conceptually rich. Each piece invites viewers to enter into a dialogue with the artwork, encouraging them to explore the nuances of light, perception, and the human experience.
“The Light That Sees” is on display at the Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis until December 13. To see more of Michael Velliquette’s work, visit his website and follow him on Instagram for updates on future exhibitions and projects.
