Michael Reese_BIO/CV

SANDLER HUDSON GALLERY MICHAEL REESE BIO Michael Reese is an Atlanta based artist, photographer and educator. His work explores themes of identity and history; using past and current photographic processes as a base. With a fascination in cosmology and celestial science, he has created conceptual bridges between astronomy and the fight against human bondage. He sees photography as the perfect vehicle to stay curious about the world around him. Reese was recently selected by The Montresso Art Foundation for an art residency at Jardin Rouge in Marrakech, Morocco. The work created in the residency will be exhibited as part of 1-54. The 1-54 is the first leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Reese continues to exhibit regularly through the traditional gallery system and the broader reaching visibility of public art. Notable exhibits include “Call and Response”, Sandler Hudson Gallery, Atlanta GA, SCORE: Artist In Overtime, Museum Of Contemporary Art, Atlanta GA and E-Merge, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, GA. Reese’s work is also featured in selected private and public collections including The High Museum, Clark Atlanta University, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Fulton County Arts Council, Atlanta Office Of Cultural Affairs and Agnes Scott College. ARTIST STATEMENT It explores the terrestrial limitations of bondage and the celestial wayfinding knowledge of enslaved persons in the American south. During the mid to late 19th century, enslaved people navigated their way to freedom by observing stars and other sky patterns. I’ve used the constellation Ursa Minor as a design element in all of my isolated map making. The North Star, also known as Polaris, is located within Ursa Minor, and it is the brightest star within that constellation. From a terrestrial vantage point, Polaris was key in understanding North from South directionally. This cosmic knowledge led many enslaved people to freedom during this time. Decoding Polaris is a reimagining of a schematic and a celebration of human ingenuity. In addition, I am also acknowledging that the basic nature of the human spirit is its need to simply be free. CV Education: Atlanta College Of Art - Atlanta, GA - B.F.A. Photography - 1996