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Dana Major
Artist | Photon Wrangler | Space Transformer | Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Professional Background
Dana Major is a pioneering artist known for her interactive light installations that delve into the intersection of perception and reality. In her works, Major explores how our understanding of the world around us is shaped by the nuances of light, employing a variety of materials such as studio-made LEDs, repurposed glass, and natural elements like reflection, shadow, and lensing. Her installations are designed to invigorate viewers' awareness of light sources they often overlook, encouraging a contemplative engagement with the world.
Harnessing the inherent qualities of light, Dana's works honor the analog traditions that predate the digital age. With a clear nod to the foundational principles articulated by luminaries like Sir Isaac Newton, Major aims to replicate the exploratory spirit that characterized early optics. Just as Newton utilized the sun, candles, and crystal prisms to scrutinize light, Dana's creations prompt observers to reshape their interpretations of light through slow, deliberate observation.
Dana's art practice intricately binds the analog qualities of light with physical space, promoting a direct experience that resists the detachment of digital mediation. Each assembly she creates is uniquely fashioned in her studio, utilizing her skills to construct and calibrate the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that form the heart of her installations.
Her creative efficiency emanates from a commitment to tangible experiences—eschewing the use of computers, wi-fi, and projectors in favor of hands-on manipulation of light and color. With her focus on the tactile, human aspects of art-making, Dana emphasizes a vision of 'slow light' that intertwines artistry and the rhythm of human perception.
Education and Achievements
Dana Major holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the esteemed School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which she completed in 2011, deepening her theoretical and practical understanding of the art world. Prior to this, she achieved her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Philosophy and English from DePaul University. Her academic journey also includes a transformative 18-month arts apprenticeship in St. Petersburg, Russia, which further enriched her artistic vision and capabilities.
In addition to her role as a practicing artist, Dana Major is an accomplished educator. She has lectured in the Sculpture Department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion for the arts with the next generation of creatives. Furthermore, she plays a significant role in shaping aspiring artists' careers by providing accredited studio internships at both undergraduate and graduate levels for students enrolled in AICAD (the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design), which encompasses renowned institutions such as the Pratt Institute, Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
Dana maintains her studio in Mana Contemporary Chicago, a hub of creativity and artistic collaboration. Her dedication to the arts has led her to showcase her work at notable venues, including the Elmhurst Art Museum, the Chicago Art EXPO, and in multiple installations for the Chicago Art Department's annual Crystal Ball Gala.
Notable Achievements
The accolades Dana Major has accrued are a testament to her dedication, creativity, and impact in the contemporary art space. Among her notable achievements are:
- Exhibitions: Dana's interactive light installations have been featured in prominent exhibitions, showcasing her ability to blend art with innovative ideas about perception and light. Noteworthy venues like the Elmhurst Art Museum and the Chicago Art EXPO have served as platforms for her work, facilitating engagement with a broad audience.
- Gala Contributions: As an artist committed to community and collaborative projects, Dana has designed multiple installations for the Chicago Art Department's annual Crystal Ball Gala. Her unique approach to interpreting light has elevated the event and created memorable experiences for attendees.
- Educational Influence: Dana's role as an educator and mentor has empowered many students within the art community. Through her work at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her involvement with AICAD institutions, she has been instrumental in nurturing emerging talents and instilling a strong appreciation for analog art practices.
Dana Major continues to redefine the perception of light and its artistic potential, encouraging viewers to reconsider the ordinary. Her pursuit of slow observation and her commitment to analog methods not only resonate in her installations but also inspire a new generation of artists to explore the rich intricacies of their environments through their work.
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