Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
Joshua Bienko, a Texas A&M University visualization professor, is one of a select group of artists to receive a 2009 Tanne Foundation Award in the Visual Arts. The honor, presented annually by the Boston-based foundation, recognizes the outstanding achievements, passion and commitment of artists of all persuasions.
Bienko, who joined the Texas A&M Department of Visualization as an assistant professor in 2008, teaches concepts of visual communication, figure drawing and visual studies studios.
He earned a Master of Fine Art degree at the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art and a Bachelor of Fine Art degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Sean Mills, an art scholar, commented on Bienko’s work, saying “he presents a mystery, with no clear arrows pointing to intent or inspiration. Ideas are gestured toward, but not indicated. What emerges is a heartfelt distance from his subject. His work,” Mills continued, “often stems from iconic or direct quotes, relying heavily on the ideological glues that bind his practice. He is among an exciting new breed of artists committed to eluding categorization in the pursuit of ideas.”
Some of Bienko’s projects can be viewed online at www.joshuabienko.com.
Tanne Foundation Board members alone select the annual award recipients; there is no application or external nomination process. According to the organization’s website, the board looks for artists of all type who demonstrate perseverance and dedication to their practice.
Since its inception in 1999, the foundation has recognized just 51 artists; among them are actors, filmmakers, directors, playwrights, painters, photographers, sculptors, writers, poets, musicians, composers, and visual and performing artists who work in a wide range of media.
- Posted: July 16, 2009 -
