Bio
Ben Roosevelt makes artworks about urban systems, visual codes, and existential
confusion. He is especially interested in city infrastructure
— roads, sidewalks, buildings, telephone and electricity lines, even
things like roadkill and “for sale” signs — as well as the problems
and experiences of people living among these things. Using a variety
of media, Roosevelt has incorporated military recordings of jet airplanes,
local waiting room decor, and theories about statistics, identity, and
stereotypes in his work. The artist’s practice includes the creation
of objects, the composition of articles and poetry, organising and curating
exhibitions, designing publications, and collaborating with other creative
practices on interdisciplinary projects.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Roosevelt has participated in many exhibitions
in both the United States and Ireland, such as Talent Show: the
2007 Atlanta Biennial, the solo show Legion at the Ard Bia Gallery
in Galway, Ireland, and House Projects, a series of group exhibitions
and residencies across London, Ireland, and New York City. The artist
holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Vanderbilt University and a
Master’s in Fine Art from the Burren College of Art. Recently, he won
the Atlanta-based Forward Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award, 2007-2008.