Aaron Marie Beien

Artist Statement

I consider myself an artist that works from the inside out. Placing myself in the role of the deconstructed body, I try to reconstruct myself by exploring my ideas of mortality through the theme of fashion. By wearing anatomy as a fashion accessory, I depict my mortality as fashionable. Also by using fashion to symbolize the ideal human form and anatomy to symbolize mortality, I juxtapose them to create memento mori, a reminder that we all are mortal.

            I am stimulated by materials; I look to a variety of media, choosing each to suit my message. Sometimes choices are based on inherent tactile qualities; others are the expansion and revisiting of old ideas in new mediums. As a contemporary artist, my work crosses many disciplines and although it is based in photography, it can only be categorized as mixed media. 

Biography

Place of Birth: Durango, CO

Date of Birth: 03-12-1979

Education:

1998-Catoosa High School

Additional Art Education:

2009-BA of Arts-Photography from The Art Center Design College

Awards and Grants:

2009-Graduated with Honors from The Art Center Design College

2008-Finalist in Nikon Best of College Photography

2007-Finalist in Nikon Best of College Photography

Major collections:

The Art Center Design College Print Archive Collection, Albuquerque, NM

Major group exhibitions:

2009- NEW, New Member’s Show, New Grounds Gallery, Albuquerque, NM

2008-Juried Photography Exhibition at Matrix Gallery, Albuquerque, NM

2007-Cradle Project Exhibition, Albuquerque, NM

Major solo exhibitions:

2008-Little Miss Anatomical Thesis Exhibition, Albuquerque, NM

Publications:

2008-Published in Best of College Photography

2007-Alibi Photography Contest

2007-ABQ Arts Photography Contest

2007-Published in Best of College Photography

2006-Alibi Photography Contest