Artist statement

My artistic journey unfolds through a unique transformation of discarded materials and used garments into compelling two and three-dimensional art and installations. This alchemical process critiques global consumerism and interrogates socio-economic disparities, providing fresh perspectives on dialogues surrounding exploitation, inequality, human resilience, and environmental degradation.

 

I am deeply people-centric. My subject matter revolves around the human condition, with a focus on elevating disenfranchised, underrepresented, and marginalised communities. I bring a rich visual and emotional tapestry to my work, characterised by drama, contrast, dynamism, rhythm, texture and surprise. By turning waste into wonder, my art transcends mere materiality, serving as a testament to humanity's interconnectedness and the social cost of unchecked consumption.


Inspiration flows from figurative elements and expressive content, driven by a yearning to make a meaningful impression and contribute to a better world for all. My goal is to educate and motivate viewers, encouraging them to reflect on the larger societal issues that my work addresses and see the potential beauty in what society deems as refuse.

My technique stands out due to its use of non-traditional, recycled materials and used clothing as foundational elements. I wrap, fold, twist, and crush these materials, evoking a wide range of emotions in the viewer. By elevating these humble objects to fine art status in surprising and innovative ways, I challenge conventional notions of art and value, encouraging a deeper engagement with the world around us.

 

 


Biography

Garfield Morgan is a multidisciplinary artist whose distinguished career is characterised by both intellectual rigour and an unwavering dedication to his craft. His academic achievements, combined with his extensive professional experience, demonstrate a sustained and passionate engagement with the visual arts. Garfield's work is deeply rooted in his commitment to elevating marginalised and underrepresented communities, weaving together rich, visually and conceptually compelling narratives that explore the human condition. His exploration of social justice, environmental degradation, and consumerism is not only timely but also profoundly impactful.

 

Garfield began his artistic journey as a graphic designer after graduating from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica. He later pursued graduate studies in the United States, earning a Master of Arts in Painting and Digital Media and an MFA in Painting from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he was awarded the Post Graduate Fellowship in the School of Art.

 

After completing his Fellowship, he returned to Jamaica, where he taught at several prestigious institutions, including Edna Manley College and the University of the West Indies. In 2018, Garfield relocated to Montréal, where he continued to make significant contributions to the local arts community, receiving numerous honours and awards for his conceptual work. His international acclaim includes exhibiting his piece Consumer Bird at the 2010 Beijing Visual Arts Biennale, which was later included in the international Climate Art Collection. Additionally, Garfield is featured in Jacqueline Bishop’s Patchwork: Essays and Interviews on Caribbean Visual Culture, highlighting his vital role in contemporary Caribbean art discourse. 

 

In 2023, Garfield was selected through a competitive jury process as Harcourt House’s Artist-in-Residence for the 2023-2024 term. His residency proposal was exceptional, demonstrating a clear vision and a commitment to creating a body of work that would challenge societal norms and invite critical reflection on the global issues of consumerism, exploitation, and environmental sustainability. During his time at Harcourt House, Garfield’s work has demonstrated both the breadth and depth of his creative research, blending technical expertise with a deeply conceptual approach to social issues. Garfield and his wife Shelley now reside in Edmonton.