Bessie Kunath

Artist Statement:

I am most currently interested in producing work that can be viewed in multiple contexts, whether it be a constructed mobile gallery, a projection installation or a series of sculpted objects. In the last few years, my practice has traversed from traditional painting and drawing on 2-dimensional surfaces to wall-mounted and free-standing 3-dimensional works to film and video installation. I enjoy carrying my aesthetics through the different mediums to understand how style, texture and technique translate.

Bessie Kunath (real name: Elizabeth) is currently enrolled in the MFA program at UC Santa Barbara. She acquired a dual Bachelor’s degree in visual art and education at the University of San Francisco and the California College of the Arts in 2003. She then went on the receive a Master’s degree in Teaching, also from the University of San Francisco. Kunath’s work has been shown in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, New York, Orange County and Santa Barbara County. Revealed throughout Kunath’s work, are her interests in outmoded cultural forms, mediums, materials and ideas. Much of her work has been indirectly or directly influenced by her personal and professional life [which includes having worked for 6 years at the garbage company in San Francisco, or for an art center for adults with developmental disabilities).