Face Composition, 2018
24” x 18”
digital print
Megan abstracts human consciousness in an exploding, energetic euphoria.
We invite you to jump in…
“As an internet.artist, I create work that is relevant in life and online. The world is a stage, the internet is a canvas, and media is my medium of choice.
This immersive experience brings my 2D “Face Composition,” “Pink Place,” & “Teal Place” to life. The incorporation of paint, fabric, balloons, cardboard, mirrors, and more into the structure complement technology elements of projections, sound, interactive elements, and snap filters. This Immersive Exhibit allows an audience to enter this environment of TrogsWorld and explore for themselves mentally, physically, or through documentation on their phones and social media.
There is always the underlying theme of returning home within my work. Those able to recognize part of themselves within this exhibit are welcome.”
-Megan Troglio
Megan is currently pursuing a BA in Social Media and Digital Strategy at Columbia College Chicago.
Conversation with Megan:
How would you describe your installation?
This is an ephemeral amalgamation of moving parts, a reflection of the Megan @trogs Troglio dichotomy. It is saturated and loud. There is flow from the abstract face into the dueling sides of pink & teal. It is a passionate display of kindness, creativity, and home away from the traditional sense.
What do you want visitors to take away from your installation?
While visiting, please remember source; that we all reflect the bright colors of life in our unique ways. Not everyone will be this full-out display, but I’d hope there is recognition of self within the work.
Whether it is seen through the face composition, flowing hazard of fabrics, or in the rudimentary vision of your own reflection in the mirror; may you be able to recognize self within the work, and understand you are valid for feeling. Home is what you make of it, even if it is only a moment of peace within this gallery.
What was your experience with this exhibition?
This was a blessing. A stepping stone for my career and personal development as an internet.artist. I remain grateful for the reassurance and help from the Hokin team that helped bring this exhibit to life.
The art became bigger than me as multiple perspectives and voices were able to perceive the idea. It was breathtaking to watch the white walls of the Hokin be transformed by artists of all styles.
I remain grateful for this experience even with COVID difficulties. That event encouraged me to continue manifesting this exhibit. Despite this opening premiering differently than originally planned, it will be greater than what could have been possible in March. This exhibit stands as a symbol of hope and resiliency for Columbia.
The process felt as though everyone involved could sense the necessary action needed to be taken on this project. I think it’s a great reflection of the talent and creativity that is continuously exploding within the artists, school, and city.
What were some of the challenges you faced?
It was a challenge to continue to persevere throughout this project. I continue to have faith in the work, yet when society fumbles it takes a lot of strength to trust self.
How has the process of this installation transformed the way you think about your work?
This process has filled me with light and inspiration. I hope to continue creating immersive environments that cross all types of mediums & media.
Defining the message and ultimate purpose behind my work is a continuous project I will have to spend the rest of my life defining, but this experience has pushed me into those thought bubbles. I understand anything is possible through opportunity and timing.
Will you consider a more immersive medium for your artwork in the future?
Yes. Creating real world experiences for an audience to explore will be important in the present and coming days. Allowing people to visit somewhere physical and expand past the digital will be necessary as our world continues to transition into an online atmosphere.
Humanity exists in space, and creating environments for real world interaction to take place is a learning tool that is beyond value. I look forward to including the expanding technology that is currently being developed for future projects.
View the world in “Trogs-Vision” by scanning these QR Codes on the Snapchat App.
The world will become transformed into Megan’s artistic style.
Installation Process:
Megan created two preliminary sketches for her installation and selected two of her digital works, Pink Place and Teal Place to serve as inspiration for the color palette.
She then used the vibrant colors of her digital works to create the following two mock-ups to supplement the center piece, Face Composition, to build the atmosphere.
While Megan focused on painting the mural, the Hokin team were assigned specific tasks, including painting side panels of boxes that would hang from the ceiling of the installation.
Megan attached pieces of fabric, balloons, and other mixed media to the mural, and the Hokin team assembled and hung the two boxes.
Finally, Megan projected an animation of her work onto the ground and worked with the curator, Evan Kasle, to spread paint tarps and leftover fabric scraps across the floor, echoing the projection.
