Michael Loren Diaz

Arizona State University

Artwork title: Gatekeeper II
acrylic, charcoal, collaged paper, colored pencil, and pastel on canvas | 56 x 56 inches

Tell us about the work that you have submitted.
This piece is part of a body of work titled Limbo. It is the second version of three that utilize the same motifs and devices. All three explore the psychological spaces of the introspective mind and attempt to grapple with the idea that humans are simply machines.

How do you describe your work and practice?
I make no distinction between drawing and painting; both are about using the illusion of form and space to express one’s thoughts. I use this activity of drawing and painting as a tool for introspective contemplation and hope that my work will continually grow and change.

What motivated you to apply to the AXA Art Prize?
It is important for me to have my artwork critically judged by art professionals, so I applied for the AXA Art Prize because of the distinguished jury.

How do you approach a new work?
My process is intuitive and generally starts with a simple gesture. I take information from observation and then mix it up through multiple drawings. As the idea begins to come together, I allow it to shift and change even as I start to work on the final canvas.

www.MLDiaz.com
Instagram | @M_L_Diaz