A brief encounter with artist Michal Sagar

What are you presently inspired by?

My most recent body of work began by drawing directly from fragments of ancient European sculptures. Intrigued by the dynamic energy still residing in the damaged pieces of stone, I saw in their broken beauty not only the history of what they once were, but also a resonant potential. As I worked on my initial drawings a surprising element emerged — that of an African wild dog. I viewed these two potentially antagonistic forces — the remnants of a Classical European male and an endangered African painted dog — as players in a struggle seeking a new balance. Responding to the nature in each, I imbued both figures with a sentient quality.

Is there something you are currently working on, or are excited about starting?

Presently I am developing new work inspired by the encyclopedic collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. My impetus is to activate a contemporary dialogue from the continual and evolving world of art history. Throughout the museum all aspects of the human condition are acknowledged in some way. My goal is to filter these images with a lens akin to authentic fairy tales that reveal not only beauty, but also humanity’s dark nature and raw instincts.

Other than your art practice what other work do you do?

I am the Visual Arts Department Head at Breck School in Minneapolis, MN where I teach drawing and painting to high school students. It is exciting to work with young people who are open to the study of art and are willing to plunge into their own creative expression.

A quote that I find particularly pertinent and share with my students is from the artist and teacher, Corita Kent.

Creativity begins when what you know meets what you don’t know.

Michal Sagar is a featured artist our current exhibition, Creatures-real and imagined.