Michael Velliquette constructs stunningly intricate works made from paper. His choice to work with paper is a conscious decision to utilize a humble, everyday material to open a view into imagined worlds. By alluding to fortress-like structures, which are built to withstand force and time, Velliquette highlights the materiality and ephemeral quality of this modest, lightweight material. During his residency at HCCC, Velliquette will be working on a new paper sculpture (which will take about 300-500 hours to complete). He also plans to carry out research and material tests to translate his techniques into metal.
A working artist for 20 years, Velliquette has participated in over 150 exhibitions in museums and galleries in the US, Europe, and Asia. His work is in the permanent collections of the Chazen Museum of Art; the San Antonio Museum of Art; the Art Museum of South Texas; the Racine Art Museum; and The Microsoft Collection. He has participated in numerous residencies and cultural exchange programs, including the Artpace International Artist-in-Residence; the John Michael Kohler Art/Industry program; and EUARCA, Kassel, Germany. Velliquette is a member of the Paper Artist Collective—a global community of artists and designers dedicated to the medium of paper. His work is represented by the David Shelton Gallery in Houston. He is currently a faculty associate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. To learn more, visit https://www.velliquette.com/.
