Artist Statement
I am interested in the different ways energy is manifested, manipulated and
embodied through forms and the engagement of such forms in physical and
social development. An example being the the co-evolution of the hand in
relation to the development of tools and the correlative effect of tool development to the social.
I am particularly interested in the manner in which forms evolve, how we have come to understand them and the emotional reactions they evoke. My work responds mathematical rational regarding the explanation of natural and social forms through the Fibonacci sequence, Fractal geometry, Emergent phenomenon and Chaos theory (Fractal Foundation). In such theories there are links between; biology, mathematics, sociology, philosophy and aesthetics.
An example of emergent social phenomenon reflected in forms, is the disparate development of Ground edge stone axes, by ancient cultures separated by thousands of kilometers and thousands of years (cooper, 2016). I have explored this concept through Ground Edge (2015), and Emergent (2015). Ground Edge (2015), is an oversized ground edge stone axe made from a bluestone paver, while its idealised bronze form is expressed in Emergent (2015). These works stand as a reflection upon the evolution of tools from utility to early currency to at last our contemporary contemplation of these forms, whereby the axe shape has been repurposed as works of art.
Stemming from my interest in tool development I am also interested in the division of labor and society. In particular the relationship between work and art within the social sphere. It appears to me that a number of major dilemmas facing individuals within society are linked to our relationship with work (Job shortages, depression, poverty). As a result I am currently conducting a case study into New work, New culture a philosophical treatise by Frithjof Bergmann that aims to address alienation many feel as a result of the current job system.
Biography
I grew up in the town of Australind, in South Western Australia. There I completed an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery before traveling to Europe on a working holiday. Upon returning to Australia, I made the sculpture Breathe (2012) and was fortunate enough to be have the piece acquired by the City of Victoria Park. That year I enrolled in Fine Art, which I completed at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technologies (RMIT) in 2015. Currently I am a candidate for a Masters of Art in Public Space at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technologies.
References:
Fractal Foundation, 2016,
Cooper, D, 11/05/2016, World's oldest known ground-edge stone axe fragments found in Western Australia, ABC Online,
Bergmann, F, New Work New Culture, accessed 13/10/2016
Curriculum Vitae
Jake Allan Coghlan
0428078546
Educational Background
2015,Graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts, (Sculpture), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, Vic.
2015, Bachelor of Fine Arts, (Student exchange) Kwantlen University, British Columbia, Canada,
2014, Bachelor of Fine Arts, (Sculpture), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Vic
2012, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Curtin University, Perth, WA
2004-2008, Certificate III of Carpentry and Joinery, South West Regional College of Tafe, Bunbury, WA
Group Exhibitions
2016, Mediated proximity, 3' O Clock Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria
2016, The Space Between Light, Richmond, Victoria
2016, Geelong after Dark, Geelong, Victoria
2016, Bonking frog wines Recycled art awards, Ferguson Valley, WA
2016, Sculpture by the Bay, Dunsborough, WA
2015, RMIT Graduate exhibition, Melbourne, Victoria
2015, RMIT Artland, Melbourne, Victoria
2015, Sculpture in the Vineyards, Hunter Vally, NSW
2015, Surrey International Children’s Festival, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
2015, Sculpture by the bay, Dunsborough, WA
2014, RMIT Artland, Melbourne, Victoria
2014. Sculpture in the Vineyards, Hunter Vally, NSW
2013, Melville City Sculpture Walk, Deepwater point, WA
2013, Melville City Art Awards, Melville, WA
2012, Victoria Park Art Awards, Victoria Park, WA
2012, Seethings, Victoria Park,WA
Solo Exhibitions
2015, Beulah, Brunswick, Victoria
Awards
2016, Bonking frog wines Recycled art award, Ferguson Valley, WA
2014, Wollombi wines residency, Hunter Vally, NSW
2013, Peoples Choice award, Melville City Sculpture Walk, Deepwater point. WA
2012, Best 3D work award, Victoria Park Art Awards. Victoria Park, WA
Public Art
2013, Breathe, Aqualife complex, Victoria Park.
Emergence, 2015, Bronze Granite Sand, 30x25x15mm
Ground Edge, 2015, Bluestone, 30x25x15mm