Erika Fortner

BORN
1980 Ventura, California
LIVES AND WORKS
Berlin, Germany

My work is a contemplative language of process and experience. These elements range in setting but almost always include anatomy, urban ideas, sexuality, emotion, and chaotic structure. Each work is developed through predominately organic shapes using stream of consciousness, memories, and current events. Gestures can be softly or violently drawn, while more detailed forms and special attention to line are used to flatten yet 3-dimentionalize the image. These variations of dual intensity give my work a constant opposition of strength verses sensitivity. This composite can also be visible in the physical materials of the work which include acrylic, airbrush, soft linens, and pours that have counter tactile qualities.

EDUCATION

2008 Pratt Art Institute, Brooklyn, NY, BFA Painting
2006 Universit Internazionale dellArte, Venice, Italy, Painting and Art History (Summer)
2006 Scuola Internazionale di Graficam, Venice, Italy, Printmaking (Summer)
1999 Technology Development Center, Ventura, CA, Digital Animation Certification
1996 Cal Arts Innerspark (CSSSA), Valencia, CA, Painting, Ceramics (Summer)

EXHIBITIONS (One or two person show marked with an asterisk)
January 2009- "Postcards from the Edge", Visual AIDS,Metro Pictures New York, NY
May 2008- Quadraphonic, Pratt Institute
*SEPTEMBER 2008- Erika Fortner: New Paintings Terra Gallery, Columbus, OH
SEPTEMBER 2006- Pratt in Venice Group Show, Pratt Institute,
Brooklyn, NY
SEPTEMBER 2006- Medium NYC- Emergency Arts in Chelsea, New York, NY
NOVEMBER 2005- 31st Annual Holiday Show, Printmaking, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
OCTOBER 2005- Fall Group Show, Fine Arts Office, Pratt Institute,
Brooklyn, NY
APRIL 2005- Merit Award Competition, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
APRIL 2005- Neighborhood Gallery Project, Peaches and Cream, Brooklyn, NY
MARCH 2004- Equality Now - Domestic Affairs, Locus Media Gallery, Ne...