Biography
Creative Interests, Research + Innovations
My artwork, teaching, and research explore the relationship between, and integration of, digital and tactile media for meaningful artistic expression. Current studio practice and teaching includes experimentation with interdisciplinary and collaborative work strategies with international partners in Dundee, Scotland. Integrating digital projection and fabrication processes with a traditional art installation practice allows development of innovative artistic expression, while driving a research agenda focusing on democratizing access to these processes for artists.
Additional Websites
Research Interests
- Integration of digital and tactile media.
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative creative work strategies.
- Digital fabrication.
- Transmedia narratives.
- Internationalization of the curriculum.
Publications
Work Featured in Print Media
2019
Ara H. Merjian, “Learning from Fascism,” Art in America, Apr 2019
2017
James Rogers, “Visitor Experiences at Prison Museums: Fremantle Prison, Robben Island Museum, and Eastern State Penitentiary,” The Palgrave Handbook of Prison Tourism, edited by S. Hodgkinson, J. Piché, and K. Walby. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2017.
Work Featured on Radio, Television + Online
2022
Peter Crimmins, “National Liberty Museum shines a light on truth,” WHYY, 12 Sep 2022, https://tinyurl.com/bdfe34uw
2019
Ara H. Merjian, “Learning from Fascism,” Art in America, 1 Apr 2019, https://bit.ly/2WVX5KN
2017
Kyle Bagenstose, “Understanding NAWC Warminster groundwater contamination and its effects through art,” The Intelligencer, 13 Sep 2017, http://bit.ly/2j7WaEr
Andrea Cantor, “‘Weight of Water’ multimedia series at Fringe takes a look at state of water in our society,” Philadelphia Weekly, 30 Aug 2017, http://bit.ly/2vQFyFC
“Penn State School of Visual Arts announces new art minor,” Penn State News, 10 Aug 2017, https://bit.ly/2Q6kGGc
Rich Johnstone, “For Those People Who Say San Diego Comic-Con Isn’t About The Comics Anymore…,” Bleeding Cool, 10 Jul 2017, https://bit.ly/2VtgP72
Education
M.F.A. Fine Arts, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
B.Arch. Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg VA
Papers and Presentations
2022
“Steampunk Carnival,” Being Human Festival, facilitator, Dundee Scotland, 19 Nov
2019
“GTMO,” An Evening at Eastern State Penitentiary, presenter, American Association for State and Local History Annual Conference, Philadelphia PA, 29 Aug
2018
“International Collaborative TransMedia Narrative Comics II,” Comics Arts Conference #4: International Issues, panelist, Comics Arts Conference at San Diego Comic-Con International, San Diego CA, 22 Jul
2017
“International Collaborative TransMedia Narrative Comics,” Comics Arts Conference #1: International Issues, panelist, Comics Arts Conference at San Diego Comic-Con International, San Diego CA, 20 Jul
“Transmedia Narratives,” lecture/presentation, San Diego State University, San Diego CA, 21 Jul
Performances and Exhibits
2022
la trahison des signes, multimedia installation, National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia PA — https://www.libertymuseum.org/show-item/truth/
2020
Subversion, DaVinci Art Alliance, Philadelphia PA (group show, Alice Oh, juror)
2019
memerememberme, web installation, Fringe Festival, Philadelphia PA
OUT OF SITE, DesignPhiladelphia, Twenty-Two Gallery, Philadelphia PA
(a TangenT joinT) (group show with TangenT ArT CollaboraTive, Haikes + Heit, curators) — https://www.designphiladelphia.org/out-site
Weight of Water, multimedia installation, Cellini Gallery, Ambler PA (with TangenT ArT CollaboraTive)
2017
Weight of Water, web installation, Fringe Festival, Philadelphia PA (with TangenT ArT CollaboraTive) — http://fringearts.com/event/weight-of-water/