Mason Galemore
Contributing Writer
mgalemore@murraystate.edu
Using graphic design, Baltimore artist David Plunkert portrays stories and emotions. He has worked for several national publications portraying an array of themes. His work has been featured on the cover of a magazine and is now exhibited at Murray State.
Plunkert said he defined his work as primitive modernism and pop surrealism. Art organizations including the New York Art Directors Club have recognized his work.
The artwork exhibited in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery features Plunkert’s most notable works, including his block style poster “Tolerance Cats.” The poster was created for the touring Tolerance Poster Exhibition organized by Mirko Ili?.
Another poster featured at the exhibit is Plunkert’s “Lupe Fiasco” concert poster for The Fillmore music venue in Silver Springs, Maryland.
Plunkert said he uses different themes used in his artwork, including political critiques, classicism, technology and dark humor. Even though these themes resonate with him personally, he said, they are often evoked by what his clients want.
Plunkert’s clients often give him creative freedom to explore which visual elements work best with a project. He said the best clients are the ones who give him a loose framework and freedom to work on a project without any preconceived notions.
“The challenge would be in persuading a client what direction is best,” Plunkert said. “With that said, I don’t always nail it so a good client or art director can be an important sounding board or backstop.”
Plunkert has taught graphic design and illustration at Shepherd University and the Maryland Institute College of Art. He has also lectured at several American Institute of Graphic Arts chapters throughout the U.S.
Plunkert said his work was in an exhibition at The Herron School of Art and Design in the fall of 2020 when Murray State requested the collection to be sent to the Fine Arts Department for exhibition. He said he tries not to let his inspiration from other artists affect his work.
“I’m generally inspired by the process itself,” Plunkert said. “I love untangling a visual idea from a bunch of words someone has given me.”
Plunkert will be participating in a virtual talk via Zoom today at 5 p.m. For more information on the virtual talk, visit murraystate.edu/calendar.
To see more of Plunkert’s work, visit davidplunkert.com.