ARTIST TALK: Sandra Stephens

April 18, 2013 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Statement from the Artist:

My artistic investigations and research involve looking in depth at individual and cultural constructions of identity. These constructions constantly change through a dialogue between the self and the outside world. Visually, I see this constructed self as a möbius strip with no distinct inside or outside. This has led to a general interest in playing with representing the integral connection between inner and outer worlds.

I find video installations as useful ways to represent this connection, as I am able to directly implicate the viewer, as he/she becomes a part of the piece. Through this visual space and language I challenge the audience to connect in a deeper sense with those outside of oneself.

Visual culture throughout the ages is a very important component to my work. Through my work I look at how this culture is affected by the power dynamics of race, class, gender, sexuality and age. I am interested in looking at these cultural ways we use to define ourselves and the intersections, contradictions and limitations amongst them.

Sandra Stephens is an artist and art educator specializing in video, multimedia, and installation art. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from SUNY Stony Brook and the Master of Fine Arts in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts, New York. Stephens has exhibited nationally and internationally at the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, NY, the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Centre de Cultura Contemporania in Barcelona, Triennale di Milano in Milan and Atelier-Haus/Galerie ZeitZone in Berlin . She is Assistant Professor in Time and Motion Arts and Gallery Director at PrattMWP in Utica, NY and also teaches at Hamilton College. She has taught at Hunter College, FIT and SVA in Manhattan.

Free to the Public