Jake Coghlan Sculpture Artist

After completing an apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery, Jake went on a working holiday overseas, and on his return in 2012 his creative journey in sculpture began. Jake created a piece titled “Breathe” that was acquired by the City of Victoria Park. This confirmation that he was on the right path spurred him on to complete a Bachelor in Fine Art, and recently a Master of Art (Art in Public Space). Jake grew up in Australind, in the South West of WA, and the sea life and surrounding farming life forms a large part in his creative inspiration.

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,

Jake Coghlan Curriculum Vitae

Educational Background

2016-2018    Master of Art (Art in Public Space), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Melbourne, Victoria 2015:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, (Student exchange) Kwantlen University , British Columbia, Canada

2013 – 2015:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture), Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Melbourne, Victoria

2011-2013:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Curtin University, Perth, WA

Group Exhibitions

2018:

• RMIT Masters Graduate exhibition, Melbourne, Victoria

2017:

• Dardanup Art Spectacular, Ferguson Valley, WA
• Sculpture by the Bay, Dunsborough, WA

2016:

• The space between light festival, Richmond, Victoria
• Geelong after Dark, Geelong, Victoria
• Dardanup Art Spectacular, Ferguson Valley, WA
• Sculpture by the Bay, Dunsborough, WA

2015:

• RMIT Graduate exhibition, Melbourne, Victoria
• RMIT Artland, Melbourne, Victoria
• Sculpture in the Vineyards, Hunter Vally, NSW
• Surrey International Children’s Festival, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
• Sculpture by the bay, Dunsborough, WA

2014:

• RMIT Artland, Melbourne, Victoria
• Sculpture in the Vineyards, Hunter Vally, NSW

2013:

• Melville City Sculpture Walk, Deepwater point, WA
• Melville City Art Awards, Melville, WA

2012:

• Victoria Park Art Awards, Victoria Park, WA
• Seethings, Victoria Park,WA

Awards/Residencies

• 2017:    Peoples Choice Award, Sculpture by the Bay, Dunsborough, WA
• 2016:    Peoples Choice Award, Dardanup Art Spectacular, 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