michael manning

Lives and works in CT,NY USA

Artist statement

In his latest body of work, Michael Manning presents a series of paintings that use The Odyssey as a springboard to explore deeply personal stories, events, and experiences. While weaving intimate narratives with broader metanarrative themes, the connection is not only thematic but also structural—examining the interplay between abstraction and representation as a reflection of the tension between chaos and order found in Homer’s epic. At the core of his process are formal choices—color, composition, and mark-making—which guide the development of each piece. This commitment to the materiality of painting coexists with his interest in narrative and metanarrative. Seemingly contradictory, this approach enables Manning to remain true to the integrity of the canvas while engaging with broader questions of morality and human nature. Recurring motifs appear throughout the series, including a weed tree growing through concrete in his grandmother’s backyard, serving as a metaphor for survival and growth. Visual echoes—through figures, symbols, and compositional rhythms—build a sense of continuity and cohesion. Manning’s practice connects to an art historical lineage while reflecting on contemporary experience. His work invites a reexamination of myth not as distant lore, but as a living, adaptable framework through which to understand the complexities of the present.

Artwork