MICHAEL KAGAN

Central to the show are two monumental sculptures which epitomize the artist’s recent foray into three-dimensional media. Apollo is the artist’s interpretation of the Apollo 11 capsule, a detachable portion of the spacecraft designed to bring its crew safely back to Earth. Notably, it is the only piece of the Apollo 11 rocket that survived the trip—Kagan treats the capsule as a hero in its own right, with the reverence as one would a religious relic. While the Moon landing is considered one of the most extraordinary feats in human history, Apollo frames the astronauts’ safe return as an equally miraculous achievement.

Astronaut is a cast bronze sculpture of Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan, famously known as the “last man on the Moon.” It is modeled after a painting Kagan created in 2018, which itself was based on an iconic photograph of Cernan taken during a moonwalk. The larger-than-life statue looms over the viewer with an imposing, almost intimidating aura, while its weighty form is complicated by interweaving blocks, inspired by the thick, geometric strokes Kagan employs in his paintings. Although the artist is referencing a specific snapshot of history, the astronaut’s mirror-polished visor and bulky space suit obscure the identity of the man within. Thus, the sculpture is able to simultaneously serve as a symbolic tribute to the boundless potential of humankind.

The mythos of the Apollo missions is further enhanced by the other works on view. Twelve enamel prints on paper show the Apollo 11 liftoff in a sequential manner; the rocket is gradually smothered by dynamic squeegee marks, illustrating not only physical motion but also the heightened anticipatory energy of the event. In addition, a series of six oil and enamel-printed paintings depict the first footprint on the Moon—an epochal image that represents an unforgettable moment observed by over 600 million people worldwide. Showcased alongside these serial works are Kagan’s signature oil-on-linen paintings. While they may read as carefully arranged abstract compositions up close, when viewed from a distance, the whirlwind of lines, shapes, and colors merge into a single recognizable image—the astronaut.

December 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 17, the last time we have ever set foot on the Moon. Over three short years between 1969 and 1972, a total of six crewed missions have completed the trip. Although public interest and investment in space travel has since waned, these moments continue to hold a unique place in our collective memory. To The Moon plays into the nostalgic elements of its subject matter while looking to the future, expressing a sincere excitement for what humanity will achieve next.

Press Release: Courtesy of MAKI