Have you ever wondered what secrets lie at the heart of art? How do intangible emotions and ideas transform into tangible art forms? And what overflows from within that takes shape in the material world and is deemed as art?
The outpour of the ideological and sentimental vision that the artist holds is what makes each piece of art unique and novel. John Moran – a bespoke sculptor in figurative realism, encapsulates an experience within the glass that shifts perceptions and forces the audience to come face to face with the realities of the world around them.
Originally from Philadelphia and currently residing in Belgium, John holds a deep understanding of the capitalistic world and its shortcomings. Through his art, he tries to grapple with the absurdity of times, which pushes his audience to think and reflect – he says, “I attempt to illustrate how I see the barrage of consumerism, religion, and politics colliding with depictions of social injustice, secular beliefs, and popular culture. I myself am a product of all of these things.”
What drives John to create is any event that causes a stir in the media globally. These issues gather a lot of traction and become a basis for many ideological discussions stemming from the moral subjectivity of the people. The outpour on such critical topics highlights the absurd trends and capitalization that prevails, undermining the actual event. It is quite difficult to find a middle ground as a society, he believes when harboring such diverse and opposing points of view.
back to school. SIC Gallery of BWA Galleries, Wroclaw. Photo: Alicja Kielan.
Through the canvas of glass, John brings to life marvelous wonders that represent the current socio-political issues that concern him. He practices a distinctive technique of intersection between classical painting and sculpture. With his individualistic use of contemporary references to consumer culture, he has brought a canon of unparalleled pieces of art into the world.
For John, his closest work is his first and ongoing project of realistic figurative sculpture American Idols. The exhibit showcases 43 glass busts of different U.S. presidents. His ideological difference and critical stance are perceivable through his artistic representation of the presidents. From dressing them in a variety of outfits to assigning them nicknames, the show is a one-of-a-kind political satire.
American Idols. 2014. The Delaware Contemporary.
Similarly, the sculpture New Times Roman, where Ronald McDonald is depicted holding an overweight child. This piece represents the change in today’s society and the “indoctrination of youth.” The inspiration struck John while driving through West Virginia when he felt hungry, and every other franchise was McDonald’s. He realized the discrepancy in how there used to be churches in every town, but due to the shift in culture and values, it has been replaced by food outlets – these are now the nucleus of a consumerist society.
John’s strong opinions on the world’s current affairs and their peculiar illustration through glass art set him widely apart from his contemporaries. He continues to grow with successful exhibitions and residencies. To get in touch with his current works, check out his pieces at the residency at Corning Museum of Glass and the solo exhibition with Habatat Galleries: Not Grandma’s Glass in December 2023.
Inevitable Expansion. Bespoke Artwork. 2023. Photo: John Moran
To know more about him, follow him on Instagram or check out his website. John’s work is available through Habatat Fine Art Detroit, Blowfish Gallery, and his website.