It's time to meet local Phoenix artist, professor and activist, Nic Wiesinger.
Wiesinger's artwork varies in media from audio, video, books, two-dimensional scans and manipulations, and web based interactive relational art that ties and connects the artwork with the community. He has a background in social history and geography, map making, music, technology and participation, which can be found intertwined throughout his works. Wiesinger was traditionally trained in Photography at the Herron School of Art and Design and he also holds an MFA in Intermedia Art from Arizona State University.
When asked what inspires his work Wiesinger says “my art speaks, predominately, about how we communicate as a society, and how these systems of communication can either help to gain understanding or how they can sometimes hinder it.” He has exhibited at several local galleries in addition to several prestigious institutions including ASU Art Museum, Ohio University Museum and the Phoenix Art Museum. Also Wiesinger was a recipient of a 2013 Contemporary Forum Artist Grant.
Also he is a former member of the Phoenix based artist run collective Eye Lounge Artist Collective located on Roosevelt Row in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Most recently Wiesinger was included in the Phoenix New Times 2014 edition of “100 Creatives”. His work has been featured in local publications including Arizona Republic, Phoenix New Times, Culture Seen and more! In addition to his artwork he is currently a professor at Estrella Mountain Community College and he previously taught at Paradise Valley Community College and Arizona State University. He recently founded TheArtsBeacon.com, a wonderful website covering everything dealing with the local arts.
Currently he is exhibiting a new body of work titled Wilderness: Scenes from the Passenger Screen, a solo exhibition in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid. Showcasing photography that examines ideas about the Wilderness, while utilizing current technology to obtain imagery of these designated wilderness areas. Wiesinger presents photography taken of maps showing areas with wilderness designations paired with pictures of those same areas seen from Google Maps Street Views. The artist hopes to engage his audience and get the conversation started regarding the importance of the Wilderness as well as that of technology.
Meet Wiesinger this Friday, May 15th at his Closing Artist Reception from 7-10pm at the monOrchid in Bokeh Gallery featuring an intimate evening with the artist, amazing artwork, wine and more. Wilderness: Scenes from the Passenger Screen will be on display until May 31, 2015 at the monOrchid located at 214 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix. Want to learn more about Wiesinger and his artwork visit http://www.nicwiesinger.com. *Images courtesy of artist.
