Barbara Kasten is an American artist renowned for her multidisciplinary approach to art, which encompasses photography, sculpture, painting, theater, textile, and installation. Born in 1936 in Chicago, Illinois, Kasten's artistic journey began with a formal education in painting and sculpture. Her initial studies took place at the University of Arizona, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts. She then pursued her Master of Fine Arts at the California College of Arts and Crafts (now California College of the Arts) in Oakland, where she studied under Trude Guermonprez and was significantly influenced by the Bauhaus movement and artists such as László Moholy-Nagy. Kasten's early work was rooted in fiber art, but she soon gravitated towards photography, which allowed her to encompass her interdisciplinary interests. Her work in the 1970s included making cyanotypes by placing materials directly on light-sensitive paper to create abstract compositions. This period marked the beginning of her exploration into the relationship between three-dimensional forms and their two-dimensional representations. Throughout her career, Kasten has been known for her experimental approach to photography. She often constructs elaborate studio set-ups using mirrors, lights, and props to create images that challenge the viewer's perception of space and form. Her work is characterized by a process-based approach that involves the artist moving through the installation, adjusting props, and engaging with the effects created by light, shadow, color, and reflection. This dynamic physical process is central to her exploration of qualities of light, space, and materials such as Plexiglas. In the 1980s, Kasten was among the first artists to be invited by Polaroid to use their new, large-format film. Her innovative approach continued as she began photographing large architectural spaces, further expanding her exploration of light and structure. Her work during this time, particularly the "Constructs" series, displayed a striking resemblance to the complex geometries of Constructivist painting and was flush with color. Kasten's contributions to the field of art have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in 1982. Her work has been the subject of major surveys, such as "Barbara Kasten: Stages" at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, which was the first major survey of her work and traveled to the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts in conjunction with the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Her work is held in the collections of prominent institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Tate Modern in London. Kasten's influence extends beyond her own practice, as a new generation of artists has drawn inspiration from her aesthetic and method. Kasten's recent work continues to push the boundaries of her medium. She has created site-specific installations and engaged with new technologies, including video installations. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions at international venues such as the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg in Germany and the Sharjah Biennial in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to her artistic practice, Kasten's work has been documented in several monographs, including "Barbara Kasten: Architecture & Film (2015–2020)," which provides a comprehensive look at her recent creations and her multidimensional practice. The monograph, edited by Stephanie Cristello, includes essays that draw connections to architecture, theater, choreography, and film, offering new perspectives on Kasten's work. Barbara Kasten's career, spanning over five decades, has been marked by a continuous evolution and a commitment to exploring the interplay between light, form, and perception. Her work defies easy categorization, residing at the intersection of various artistic disciplines and consistently challenging the conventional boundaries of photography. As she continues to create and innovate, Kasten remains a vital figure in contemporary art, with her work continuing to inspire and provoke thought in viewers and fellow artists alike.

Barbara Kasten Quotes and Sales of Works

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