"Crane" Kite by Michael Thompson

2023
$5,480 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 51.5" D: 3.75" H: 45.25"
Materials
Materials
Paper
Silk
Bamboo
Muslin
Collection #
CMT235
Estimated Shipping
$588

Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites crafted from split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera—including fragments of fabric, scrolls, drawings, and books collected during his travels.

This kite entitled "Crane" draws its title from the quiet painting in the lower left corner of a white crane perched on the edge of a water pail. The kite is anchored by a large panel of floral silk brocade, darkened by inky pigments that drip downwards and break up the orderly design. A panel of rice paper adds bright blue color and washes of cool watercolors unite disparate fragments with irregular motion. Instructional calligraphy paintings and architectural blueprints pattern the background with contrasting yellow hues.

Thompson has earned an international reputation for his kite works, an engrossing project initiated by the artist more than a decade ago.

Split bamboo, muslin, silk, paper, pigments.

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Michael Thompson

b. 1951

Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past & present. 

His body of work spans across a range of art forms, from experimental postal art to paper collage to sculptures assembled from scrap metal and ceramic shards.

Regardless of the medium, each of Thompson’s works is layered with fragments of past lives and bygone memories, measured in the form of antique fabric remnants, printed ephemera and other found elements collected during his travels.

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