Name/Title
#119 afternoon studio floorEntry/Object ID
2019.16.01Description
Derek Sullivan (b. 1976, Richmond Hill, Ontario) is a contemporary visual artist based out of Toronto, Ontario. Sullivan’s multidisciplinary practice employs drawing, sculpture, book works, and installation to examine elements of modern design and art. Known primarily for his works in pencil crayon, the artist’s subject matter varies between geometric abstraction, repetitive patterning, and graphic design. Sullivan has a deep interest in literature. Books and the act of reading have consistently been a starting point for his works. He often creates his images, collages, and titles in reference to real and imagined books.
Afternoon studio floor (2017) is part of a series of works inspired by the posters used to promote films, concerts, and events. Each image is uniformly formatted on paper. As the title suggests, the large-format drawing depicts a staged interior floor of the artist, giving a preview into some narrative of his creative practice. Sullivan, who views books and mass media as sources of information, uses the poster format to explore how information is transmitted. The drawing takes on the form of advertising, playing with how high and low cultural art forms affect the credibility of images and information.
Sullivan is currently an Assistant Professor in Sculpture/Installation at OCAD University. He received his BFA from York University in Toronto and his MFA from the University of Guelph. Sullivan has been nominated five times for the prestigious Sobey Art Award, being shortlisted in 2012. His works can be found in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.
https://www.dereksullivan.ca/Artwork Details
Medium
coloured pencil on paper