MICHAEL DROLET
Biography
In 2014, Drolet graduated with a BFA – major in Sculpture, minor in Psychology, University of Ottawa. He went on to study Exhibition Design at the Node Center for Curatorial Studies, Berlin, Germany; Digital Skills and Typography, OCADU; and Social Media Mktg, Ryerson U.
Drolet’s work has participated in numerous group exhibitions, including The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Art Gallery of Northumberland, Gallery 1313, as well as Virtual Exhibitions with the John B. Aird Gallery, OCAD Instudio, and Light, Space & Time Online Gallery.
His public commissions for buildings include locations at: 15 Lower Jarvis St.; 289 Bridgeland Ave. Toronto.
He is the recipient of Ontario Arts Council Grants; Professional Skills Fund Scholarship, OCADU; Art Lab Residency, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, and the Suzanne Rivard-Le Moyne Award, University of Ottawa. Drolet was elected into the Sculptors Society of Canada in 2022. His practice is in Ontario.
Artist Statement
The idea of balance is a predominant theme in many aspects of life. It is my hope to show that many independent objects can work together to produce a functioning whole; one that could not exist if any segment were missing. The three-dimensional objects in balance are dependent on these successive layers of harmonious reactions. These everyday relationships are what my sculptural objects exploit and bring to the attention of the viewer.
The expression of balance is done through simple forms that use hard lines to dictate space and add fragility to some of the most structurally sound materials. This precarious balance allows for structures that appear sturdy from the materialistic description, to be delicate, becoming structures of observation not of function. The free-standing works do not use adhesives or hardware to maintain their upright composure but instead, rely on the proper distribution of weight and synergy of assembled elements.
The result is a static sculpture never at rest, completely self-reliant within the suspension.
