Artist Meagan J. Meehan Creates ‘Conscious Perceptionalism’ Art Movement
Art, especially abstract art, is multifaceted, subjective, and greatly influenced by the emotions of viewers. Therefore, Art is inherently based on perception. In 2018, multidimensional abstract artist and curator Meagan J. Meehan used this fact to invent a new art movement — which she is currently in the process of trademarking — based solely on the perception of artwork, specifically when it is viewed from different angles. The movement is called “Conscious Perceptionalism.”
“Conscious Perceptionalism” describes a style of artwork — typically abstract, although the style is handy for floral depictions as well — in which an artist intentionally creates pieces which are intended to be viewed from all directions. Essentially, artworks that adhere to the style of Conscious Perceptionalism do not have a definitive up, down, left, or right. Instead, their forms remain comprehensive regardless of what direction they are turned. Pieces rendered in this style subsequently ensure that the art is strong from a 360 perspective; something which is quite suitable considering that Meehan regularly Riggs her paintings to turn on a wall so they can be enjoyed from all angles.
Conscious Perceptionalism, as coined and defined by Meehan, is an art movement that is akin to a form of visual language. Heavily inspired by Expressionism, Conceptualism, and Art Brut (more commonly known as “Outsider Art”) but with more emphasis given to individualism and open-mindedness, the movement seeks to make modern art accessible and compelling to viewers by making the pieces more interpretative and, by default, more interesting.
Conscious Perceptionalism is easy to learn. Founder Meagan J. Meehan is arranging classes and speeches aimed at both children and adults to enlighten them about the newfound style and its limitless potentials. Most of these premiere classes will be held in libraries in the Long Island and New York City area. Furthermore, the movement can encompass a large body of abstract styles such as sculpture painting, digital, installations and creations using recycled/reused materials, so it’s accessible to a wide range of artists, mediums, and artistic styles.
“I got the idea to create this movement after working with this style for several years,” Meehan stated in a recent interview. “I started making 360-degree pieces when I was a teenager and I realized how cool some of my work looked when I saw it from an angle which I had initially perceived as ‘upside down.’ Those early experiences truly opened my eyes to just how subjective abstract art can be. Conscious Perceptionalism is really just a different way of considering art and I want to share the concept with other artists. I’m planning to present it through workshops at libraries and hopefully other venues like museums and galleries. I am also hoping to start an artist collective and base several curated shows — both online and offline — centered around this concept and style.”
Meehan is also a published fiction writer and produced playwright who has worked as a journalist since 2012, mainly writing about Art & Entertainment, Toys & Games, Lifestyle & Leisure, Animals, and some Technology. Through her journalistic work, she has made several valuable connections with an array of artists, organizations, and exhibition venues which she strongly feels will help her in the promotion of the Conscious Perceptionalism art movement.
“Actually, I’m also working on a PhD right now via the University at Buffalo SUNY which basically focuses on Educational Psychology and how people learn,” Meehan added. “I think I can employ a lot of those practices into the designing of art classes to teach people of all ages — both masters and beginners — how to consider abstract artwork in a new and multifaceted way and thereby embrace the principles of Conscious Perceptionalism.”
