Focus on Michael Sarich by Cherie Louise Turner

I will reveal up front that I am, unequivocally, in love with “Like, Love, Lust,” the retrospective exhibition of works by UNR Professor and artist Michael Sarich.  I had debated on reporting about this exhibition for this column because it’s such a gimme. It’s an obvious choice to focus on, being that it’s the big show at the museum and anyone paying attention to the art scene in Northern Nevada already knows about it and has likely already seen it. But I feel it deserves as much attention as possible because it is such a special event.
For those who have yet to see it, please go, again and again. For those who’ve been, go again. I have. In the short time it’s been up, since January 26, I’ve viewed the work three times, and each time I see something new and worth yet another look. I plan to return numerous times until the show closes on March 30.
Before delving into the show itself, I would first like to give accolades to the staff at the museum which has worked for more than a year and a half to bring this exhibition to fruition. The diligent and dedicated hard work has paid off in spades. The presentation of the work is of the highest caliber, as is the 156-page exhibition catalog that accompanies the show. The explanatory wall text provides guidance and insight giving a jumping off place for all viewers.
Retrospectives are unique opportunities to view the entire career of an artist, see how the artist has progressed through his or her career. Here we have the unique chance to view work spanning three decades, cultivated from sources including the artist himself, private collections, and Sarich’s primary dealer, Reno’s Stremmel Gallery. The show begins in the mid-1970s and ends in the present. Also on show is a re-creation of Sarich’s campus office, a creative touch that gives an intimate look into the world this artist surrounds himself with, giving insight into creative inspiration and influence.
This exhibition shows us the wide breadth of the many media in which Sarich has worked and does work, from ceramic to multi-media wood sculpture, painting to installation to drawing. Over the years Sarich has progressed from personal to pop icons— among them Mickey Mouse and the Virgin Mary— in order to open his dialogue to a greater audience. The influence of outsider art and graffiti are evident in the raw nature of much of the work. His output explores the home, the body, religion, and popular culture, leaving open questions for the viewer to contemplate. No concrete solutions are offered. It is up to each and every one of us to bring and form our own thoughts around the imagery. There is much to gnaw on.
Like it, love it, lust after it. This is a show to digest completely. And it is one we should, proudly, thoroughly embrace.