MIKE EGAN
Life Is Hard
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 16 from 6-9 pm
On view October 16 – November 6 in our viewing room
Mike Egan (b. 1977 USA) is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and earned his fine arts degree from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Egan’s works are created using acrylic paint, shellac, wood, and nails and tell stories about death, devils, and saints. He is greatly influenced by horror films (particularly, Day of the Dead and Halloween), churches, The German Expressionists, and his time in funeral homes as an embalmer.
We’re excited to be hosting his debut west coast solo exhibition, following numerous group show appearances over the past several years.
“The subject matter in my work tends to deal with life, death, and religion. I’ve been working in funeral homes for the last five years and I’ve become quite familiar with all three subjects. Through funerals, we tend to celebrate not only someone dying but we also celebrate that person’s life. Through religion, we hope that our loved ones are in a better place, that they are not suffering anymore. My inspiration comes from many different sources: The German Expressionists, stained glass windows, Halloween, Southern folk art, funeral homes, horror films, music, lowbrow/outsider art, Religious icons, etc. I am always adding and subtracting ideas and colors to my work to make each painting have its own story. I like to think that each painting is in some way a goodbye to somebody who passed away. A funeral portrait.”
– Mike Egan
