Josh Azzarella is an American contemporary artist whose work explores the intersection of memory, identity, and the passage of time through the medium of video art. Born in 1978 in Ohio, Azzarella received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2001 from the University of Akron and his Master of Fine Arts in 2003 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Josh Azzarella
Azzarella gained prominence for his innovative use of digital media, particularly his manipulation of found footage and iconic imagery from popular culture. One of his most notable works is the series "Untitled #100 (Fantasia)," in which he digitally alters scenes from Disney's classic animated film "Fantasia" to remove key elements, creating an eerie sense of absence and dislocation.
Central to Azzarella's practice is the concept of the "unintentional image" – images that have become so ingrained in our cultural consciousness that they are often overlooked or taken for granted. By deconstructing and recontextualizing these images, Azzarella invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to visual media and the ways in which meaning is constructed and interpreted.
Azzarella's work has been exhibited internationally in galleries and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane, Australia. In 2006, he was awarded a New Media Fellowship by the Tribeca Film Institute and the Rockefeller Foundation for his project "Untitled #100 (Fantasia)."
In addition to his artistic practice, Azzarella is also an educator, teaching courses in digital media and video art at institutions such as the School of Visual Arts in New York City and the Maryland Institute College of Art. He has lectured widely on topics ranging from the ethics of appropriation in contemporary art to the role of technology in shaping visual culture.
Josh Azzarella's work continues to challenge and inspire audiences, offering a provocative commentary on the ways in which we engage with images and the stories they tell about who we are and where we come from.
Josh Azzarella is a highly influential contemporary artist known for his groundbreaking work in digital media and video art. Through his innovative manipulation of found footage and iconic imagery, he explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Azzarella's concept of the "unintentional image" challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with visual media and the construction of meaning. His work has been exhibited internationally and has earned him prestigious awards and fellowships. As both an artist and educator, Azzarella continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression while inspiring audiences to engage critically with the images that surround them.
Josh Azzarella's work has been featured in various books, films, series, and websites, including:
• Books:
• "New Media in Late 20th-Century Art" by Michael Rush
• "Video Art" by Michael Rush
• "Art in the Age of Technoscience: Genetic Engineering, Robotics, and Artificial Life in Contemporary Art" edited by Ingeborg Reichle
• Films and Documentaries:
• "The Treachery of Sanctuary" (2012) – A film featuring Azzarella's work directed by Chris Milk
• Websites:
• Artsy.net
• Artforum.com
• Artnet.com
These are just a few examples of the platforms where Josh Azzarella's work has been discussed or featured. He has garnered attention in both academic and popular contexts for his contributions to contemporary art and digital media.