Dawnja Burris

Link to full CV

My research, teaching and creative production have consistently explored cultural practice as expressed through media representation, focused upon philosophies and politics of virtual identity construction, the predominance of animals in and as media, and most recently, conceptual landscape.

I concentrate on teasing out hidden realities and contradictions by confronting forms and their representation to reveal ambients in life beyond what we might take for granted. My imaging tactics include montage and duplicating of photographic imagery to provide another way to activate and make spaces and subjects tangible. 

The full land and sky-scape is essential context in my work - both in landscape and studio setting - as the subjects and materials they are or illuminate exist as living artifacts and represent a past and a living present at the same time. This simultaneity is a natural condition to me because it can communicate a worldview that encourages a stronger sense of paying attention to where we are on Earth and how we are integrating with it and our fellow cohabitants.

My academic roles at The School of Media Studies/The New School entwine with my photographic practice. My degrees include an MFA in Photography, an MA in Media Studies and BA in Advertising.