Visual Poetry: Alumni & Current Student Artists
Kyle Silligman
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kylesilligmanstudios/
Website - https://www.kylesilligman.com/about
Bio:
Kyle Silligman is a visual artist based in Vernalis, CA. He has a BFA in Studio Art and a BS in Business Management from California State University, Stanislaus. His work explores the complex relationship between nature and human intervention, focusing on how business, policy, and social issues disrupt landscapes. Drawing from his background as an Eagle Scout, Kyle presents scenes of natural beauty intertwined with elements of destruction, such as power lines and urban remnants, reflecting both the awe and unease that these contrasts evoke.
Kyle’s use of textured materials, particularly paper, plays a key role in his art, emphasizing themes of resilience and decay. Each crease, touch, or mark on the surface tells a story, adding layers that invite viewers to engage on a sensory level. The tactile elements reflect the fragile, fleeting nature of peace and the marks left by time. Landscapes are a recurring theme in his work, offering solace and comfort during his family turmoil as he sought refuge outdoors as a scout. This connection guides his artistic practice, blending natural beauty with visible signs of human impact to capture the tension between serenity and destruction.
At the heart of Kyle’s work are themes of power, seduction, and technology—forces that ripple through nature and society, shaping human connection and identity. His art serves as a call to engage deeply with these forces and reflect on personal and collective roles within them. Kyle encourages viewers to examine their place within the socio-political forces that shape the landscapes they inhabit. Through his art, he aims to spark reflection on the beauty, conflict, and responsibility that exist in the world around us.
Kyle’s work has been presented across the country in numerous shows, in both physical and virtual settings. Notably, his work has been displayed virtually in both London and New York and physically across the Central Valley at The Carnegie Arts Center, Grand Theater for the Arts, The Oval Gallery, and his first solo show in 2023 at the Stan State Art Space. His work is also in the permanent collection of the Boy Scouts of America and The Creative Studio. He has developed workshops and murals for the Scouting Movement both locally and at the National level.
Come Sail Away (2022)
Oil on Paper
3ft x 7ft
$1500
Music has always played a significant role in my art. I often find myself painting the flow and rhythm of a song, reflecting on the connections between music and art that have existed for centuries. When I painted "Come Sail Away," I contemplated the destructive forces that wind exerts on water. I was reading news articles about container ships spilling cargo in Alaskan waters, with coolers washing up on the shores of the Pacific Northwest. While I painted, my thoughts remained intertwined with music and the beauty of sailing, leading me to the Styx song "Come Sail Away."
Come Sail Away (verse excerpt)
— by Styx, 1977
"I look to the sea,
Reflections in the waves spark my memory.
Some happy, some sad.
I think of childhood friends and the dreams we had.
We lived happily ever after,
So the story goes.
But somehow we missed out
On the pot of gold.
But we'll try, best that we can,
To carry on."
This song resonates with my reflections on life's joyous and challenging moments. As children, we think about friendship and exploration, but as adults, we must also consider our environmental impact and the dangers associated with such adventures. Balancing a practical understanding of adulthood with the creative vision of childhood allows us to carry on, making the most of both perspectives.
Venus at Rest (2024)
Oil on board
19.25" x 22"
NFS
"Venus at Rest" explores the concept of prioritizing relaxation while ignoring problems. I created this piece during a vacation in Umpqua, Oregon, where we drove past destruction caused by wildfires to hike to a hot spring. During this experience, I learned about the healing properties of hot springs and encountered some unusual people, which brought a sense of unease to my relaxation.
As I contemplated how this relates to literature, I found myself struggling. I have always viewed this work as a sort of parody of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," connecting it to art history through the female form and the landscape. I then began to explore how AI has become a controversial element in modern writing.
As a test, I submitted my ideas regarding nature and "Birth of Venus" to ChatGPT and asked it to write the following poem based on those concepts:
"In tempest winds, where voices clash,
And chaos bends the heavens' ash,
Amidst the storm, her presence gleams,
Venus rests in tranquil dreams."
In The Red (2023)
Mixed Media
14” x 17”
$300
"As a valued customer, you’ve been pre-selected for a Wells Fargo personal loan of up to $35,000, which you can use for nearly anything you need to fix, buy, or do." - Wells Fargo, 2024. Another spam email, right? It's easy to delete and forget about. But let’s be honest: bills and debt are a serious part of adult life. We often dream of a simpler time, a world free from financial burdens where we can indulge in leisurely pursuits like reading a good book.
However, the demands of modern life often leave little room for such luxuries. For many of us, the only reading we do is the mandatory kind—emails, bills, contracts, and the like. In a sense, these mundane texts become the only stories we engage with, shaping our thoughts and influencing our decisions. For this reason, I want to connect the necessity of fire to finances.
Exhibition Season:
Alumni Artists Files