Michael Bendure

Artist Bio

Michael Bendure is an artist in Norman, Okla., who specializes in colorful abstract paintings of all sizes. He explores the intersections of color upon color and color upon texture to evoke optimism and emotion. His evolving, process-driven, colorful works are designed to inspire joy, energy, and life. Recently, Michael began experimenting with non-traditional materials, such as found objects, particle- and chipboards, and leftover construction site items. In 2024, Michael began exploring mental health advocacy through the concept of deconstruction/reconstruction. Using unconventional wood scraps, he combines sand with paint to create gritty, colorful landscapes, then cuts them apart and reattaches them in new, random ways with small, metal hinges. The results are flexible, almost sculpture-like pieces that move and flow, reflecting how we can be broken apart and put together through life's difficult challenges. And though we are reassembled in new, imperfect ways, the results can still be beautiful and renewing.

Since his artistic debut in 2021, Michael has shown works in numerous group and solo shows, including the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, Norman’s Second Friday Art Walk, venues in Oklahoma City's Plaza District, Oklahoma City University's Norick Art Center, and the Oklahoma Art Guild Small Works Show, and VIBES, downtown Edmond's first Thursday art walk.

Since 2022, he has displayed numerous works at Waters Edge Winery in Moore, and a rotating selection of his works has been on permanent display in the Serenity Mental Health Group’s offices in north Norman since spring 2021. In fall 2023, a three-month, solo exhibition titled Disruptions! opened at the offices of IT business, amshot, in Oklahoma City. Summer 2023 brought Michael's museum debut with a group exhibition called Quality of Light at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Over the past few years, he also has sold numerous commissioned works for clients. 

Artist Work

Title: Reconstructed (7 0f 8)
Category: Visual Arts
Genre: Mixed Media
Description: Acrylic, sand, wood, and glue on wood with hinges, 18 x 12 in. January 2024 

Title: Renewal
Category: Visual Arts
Genre: Mixed Media
Description: Acrylic, sand, wood, and glue on wood with hinges, 42 x 11.5 in. March 2024

Title: Utopian Vibes
Category: Visual Arts
Genre: Painting
Description: Acrylic and gypsum paste on canvas, 48 x 48 in. August 2021

Location

 73071