Michael Aldag is a fine artist from southern Illinois who has built a life around his love of art. From an early age, he showed a natural inclination toward creativity. With the support of his family, teachers, and community, Aldag pursued his passion, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Columbus College of Art & Design. His path has been shaped by a deep connection to his environment, childhood memories, and Christian faith, all of which play a central role in his artistic process.
Aldag’s work is marked by a consistent tone of sobriety—a quality he feels is deeply rooted in the human experience. For him, art is both a form of expression and a way to reflect on life. His subjects and media vary, but the gravity of his themes remains steady. This seriousness isn’t heavy-handed; instead, it invites viewers to engage with his pieces on a thoughtful, personal level.
Over the years, Aldag has participated in juried exhibitions, received awards, and gained recognition for his contributions to the art world. His accolades include Best of Show at the 2010 Illinois Art League Membership Show and the 2019 Shrode Fine Art & Craft Competition Exhibition held at the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. In 2023, he was honored as an Esteemed Listee in the Marquis Who’s Who in America Biographical Registry.
Aldag’s art is deeply tied to his surroundings and personal history. Growing up in southern Illinois, the landscapes, people, and experiences of his early years left a lasting impression. His Christian faith also serves as a foundation, providing both inspiration and a framework for self-reflection.
The variety in Aldag’s work shows his willingness to explore and adapt, though his art is unified by its contemplative nature. His pieces often prompt viewers to pause and consider their own lives and beliefs. Whether he’s working with traditional media or more experimental approaches, the sense of sobriety he describes as pervasive in the world is ever-present in his creations.
One of Aldag’s strengths is his ability to connect with his audience without being prescriptive. His art doesn’t demand a specific interpretation; instead, it opens a space for dialogue. This reflective quality allows his work to resonate with people from different walks of life.
Recognition from juried exhibitions has been a consistent part of Aldag’s career. The awards he has received reflect his dedication and the impact of his work, including winning Best of Show at two exhibitions.
His inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who in America highlights his artistic career. For Aldag, this recognition isn’t just about status—it is a validation of years of effort and a testament to the meaningful connections his art has fostered.
One of his works, Reflection of the Past (2024), is part of his ongoing photography series Temple, a project he has been building over the past several years. Many of the images in this series were taken during 2020, the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time marked by social distancing, isolation, and the suspension of many communal activities. While gatherings ceased and businesses closed, his creative work persisted.
Artists often draw attention to what people see but may overlook. In southern Illinois, it’s common to pass former church buildings like the one featured in Reflection of the Past. Over the course of this series, he has photographed nearly 50 structures that once served as places of worship. These buildings, spanning different denominations, are scattered across rural and urban settings alike. The trend of inactive or repurposed churches isn’t confined to this region; it’s a phenomenon occurring nationwide. Each photo in Temple serves as a kind of memorial portrait, honoring these spaces that, though no longer active, still speak in their own way.
The Temple series has been exhibited in art galleries, where its collective presentation encourages reflection. What does this trend of abandoned religious spaces reveal about our culture? Does the physical reality of these buildings mirror a deeper, spiritual truth? As artists and individuals, it is important to remain attuned to the messages present in our surroundings—the prophetic voices that emerge when we pause to listen.
Reflection of the Past features a building constructed in 1876 in rural Carlyle, Illinois, which once housed the Hopewell Methodist Church. After being sold in 1996, it was converted into a chapel for weddings and celebrations. In this photograph, the church’s silhouette is mirrored in a rain puddle on the road, while the barren branches framing the structure hint at the emptiness within—a stark contrast to its former life filled with song and worship. The black-and-white composition emphasizes the sense of time passed, reinforcing the subject’s nostalgic resonance.
This piece was awarded First Place in Photography at the 2024 Illinois Art Membership Show at Time Gallery in East Peoria.
As Aldag continues to create, his work remains rooted in the values and experiences that shaped him. The balance he strikes between personal expression and universal themes ensures that his art is both intimate and accessible. Whether through a painting inspired by a childhood memory or a piece reflecting his faith, Aldag’s work invites viewers to see the world through his eyes while contemplating their own experiences.
From his early days in southern Illinois to his current role as a recognized fine artist, he has remained true to his vision. His art is not only a reflection of his life but also a mirror for those who encounter it. Thoughtful, serious, and grounded, Aldag’s work stands as a testament to the power of art to inspire and provoke reflection.
