Dominic Pangborn digs up forgotten, unseen works for final exhibit 'Uncrated'

In a vibrant celebration of creative evolution, artist and entrepreneur Dominic Pangborn has unveiled his final exhibit, “Uncrated: A Final Retrospective,” at the Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson, Michigan. As Pangborn prepares for a significant life transition, moving out of the United States to the Philippines, the exhibit showcases some of Pangborn’s forgotten and unseen works, offering patrons a glimpse into the artist’s four-decade career. The exhibit is on display through January 15, 2024.

Renowned for his enigmatic work and hailed as an artistic luminary in the Asian American community, Pangborn’s journey intertwines with the very fibers of Jackson, his cherished hometown. As a Korean child adopted and raised in the heart of Jackson, Pangborn’s artistic journey is a testament to never-ending change, a narrative mirrored in the ever-shifting strokes of his work.

A close-up of a large four-panel canvas painting Dominic Pangborn chose to include in his final exhibit as an artist, “Uncrated: A Final Retrospective.” | Photo by One Detroit

Now, as a celebrated Korean American artist and designer, Pangborn has etched his legacy across mediums, from canvas to pixel. His artistic pursuits have helped him reach global acclaim, with works being shown in such places as the White House and the 2018 Winter Olympics. Yet, Pangborn’s journey also reveals the delicate dance between commercial success and artistic acknowledgment.

One Detroit Senior Producer Bill Kubota caught up with Pangborn to talk about his legacy and final exhibit as an artist. Plus, art collector and dealer Paul Williams sheds light on the conundrum Pangborn has faced throughout his career as an artist, navigating the arts community’s reception to his work. Despite his prolific contributions, some within the artistic realm have struggled to fully embrace Pangborn, perhaps overshadowed by his commercial triumphs. And, Georgia Fojtasek, an Ella Sharp Museum Board Member shares how the city of Jackson has embraced Pangborn, a homegrown talent.

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