Heading to Art Prize: Aaron Hauck

GuestAuthor: Cayla Lewis

AARON HAUCKProfessional Basics Grant: Art Prize

Aaron Hauck, High Technology Forager; Break 
enamel on thermoformed acrylic plastic, 44”x14”x6”, 2011 

After receiving his MFA at Montana State and studying internationally,Aaron Hauck is an Assistant Professor at East Central University in Ada, OK andthe Creative Director at MVP Sport.
His work primarily focuses on consumerism and how itaffects contemporary culture and the natural environment. Hauck oftenreferences Ancient tools, such as Clovis points to show how tools have changedover time, reflecting on how today; tools are redesigned and mass-produced,with a strong focus on branding. He claims the food-service industry is alsolike this, and “as a result we have no personal connectionwith the bulk of the tools we use and the food we eat.”
These ideas inspirehis particular industrial and machine aesthetic, leaving little to no trace ofhuman hand. Hauck is greatly influenced by consumerism and sees the beauty incommercial product but also believes that the sleek and shiny will draw theviewer in and eventually leave them to “discover underlying meaning.”

Aaron Hauck, High Technology Forager; Shuffle
enamel on thermoformed acrylic plastic, 44”x14”x6”, 2011 

Hauck’s “High Technology Foragers,” a collection of sixlarge, wall sculptures have recently been selected to be included in ArtPrize 2012. OVAC’s ProfessionalBasic Grant will help Hauck bring national recognition to his work by transporting the sculptures to the exhibition in Grand Rapids, Michigan opening September 15.

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition invests in artists’ project through grants for growing careers, creative projects and exceptional continuing education. Find grant guidelines and application here. Free workshops about how to apply are this weekend and October 13. See www.ArtistSurvivalKit.org.