MA IN STUDIO ART
THESIS EXHIBITION
BO GAQUER
“Dimensions,” 2024. fabric, acrylic, 36 x 26 inches
In the realm of creation, my process is akin to the lifecycle of a worm—a continuous cycle of regeneration and rebirth. Just as a worm divides to multiply, my work evolves from the remnants of past creations, breathing new life into discarded materials and ideas. Within my studio, rearrangement is constant, each iteration a testament to the transformative power of destruction for creation's sake.
Central to my artistic narrative are the enigmatic blue beings, mysterious entities traversing the boundary between worlds and checking in on us. Drawing inspiration from biblical angels, these figures embody a protective presence. Crafting them is a form of reverence, with certain spaces serving as sacred altars to their existence. Creating them is a way of honoring them.
Delving deeper into the corporeal, my fascination with anatomy and surgery finds expression through meticulous dissection. Threads stitch together both form and concept, with blue beings dissected to reveal what’s inside. This exploration extends beyond traditional mediums. Frames are a way to merge two-dimensional elements with sculptural forms. The presence of a frame creates portals into a realm often described as otherworldly.
My explorations can also be informed by a passion for functional art and fashion, blending aesthetics with utility. Soft materials invite tactile engagement, blurring the line between art and comfort. Whether adorning a couch or nestled as pillows, these creations bridge the abstract and the tangible, weaving threads of protection into our physical reality.
Ultimately, my work is a tapestry of curiosity and intrigue, inviting viewers to delve into its depths and unravel its mysteries. It is my hope that encountering my art sparks a sense of wonder and a lingering sense of the unknown, prompting questions that echo long after the gaze has shifted.
Bojenna Gaquer (b.2001) is a visual artist and sculptor. Born and raised in Manasquan, NJ, is a visual artist and sculptor currently based in Fairfield Iowa. They have BFA from Maharishi International University (2023) and a pending MA in studio art from MIU (2024) This spring they will be exhibiting their work in the MA Thesis Exhibition at the Wege Gallery at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, IA. When possible they rehabilitate squirrels and other critters that often make it into the studio with them.