Imagine navigating the vast, uncharted waters of the Pacific Ocean with nothing but the stars, currents, and your instincts to guide you. This ancient practice, known as dead reckoning, is not just a survival skill for Polynesian seafarers—it’s a metaphor for life itself. And it’s the heart of Michael Cook’s captivating new exhibit, Dead Reckoning, Paintings from 2016 – 2025, on display at Gebert Contemporary in Santa Fe until November 21. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Cook doesn’t just paint; he invites you to navigate your own journey through his art, layer by layer, revelation by revelation.
A lifelong surfer and professor emeritus at UNM’s Art Department, Cook draws parallels between reading ocean swells and deciphering life’s currents. ‘I grew up in Florida,’ he shares, ‘and I was always fascinated by how the water’s movement signaled an incoming swell.’ This connection between nature and intuition is woven into his work, which often appears abstract but is rooted in intellectual depth and analytical precision. As his longtime colleague, Jim Stone, puts it, ‘Michael’s art and teaching are a bridge between tradition and innovation. He didn’t just teach color theory—he revolutionized how we approach art in the digital age.’
Dead Reckoning is a culmination of Cook’s four-decade career, blending personal reflection with historical research. Inspired by Polynesian stick maps—tools used to chart voyages—Cook explores how we navigate not just physical spaces, but the journeys of our lives. ‘Dead reckoning is both a nautical term and a metaphor for how we find our way,’ he explains. This duality is evident in every piece, from the towering Animas River of Souls—a painting so large, colorful, and layered it demands repeated viewing—to the intricate stick maps that trace his own life’s path through New Mexico, Chicago, Florida, and beyond.
And this is the part most people miss: Cook’s art isn’t static. It evolves with you. His wife, Vera Sprunt, an artist herself, notes, ‘His work is a slow read. Each time you look, you discover something new.’ This dynamic quality makes Dead Reckoning a must-see exhibit, best experienced in person and with loved ones. Wander the gallery, revisit pieces, and let the layers of meaning unfold.
Controversial Question: Is art truly complete without the viewer’s interpretation? Cook’s work challenges us to consider whether the journey of understanding is as important as the destination. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s navigate this discussion together.
For more information, visit Gebert Contemporary’s website: https://gebertcontemporary.com/.
