PORTRAITURE
2016-present | 35mm/120 film
Photo by Jake Whalen, 2019
Callan Thomas (b. 1999) is a multimedia artist currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Across mediums, his practice often includes delicately crafted framing; portrait-like in its nature and typically exploring harmonies in texture, color, and light. Callan is a researcher - regularly studying his relationships with others in hopes of better understanding the intricacy of the environment around him. Increasingly inspired by nature, he generally incorporates the surrounding natural backdrop into his work. By doing so, he attempts to collaborate with the tonality of the living world - often highlighting plant-filled spaces that remind him of the unscathed forests of rural Wisconsin where he spent much of his childhood. Callan frequently experiments with diaristic storytelling through the use of poetry, narrative, or abstract imagery - all alluding towards a specific feeling such as alienation or presence. Process lives in the foreground of every project - usually involving analog media (16mm motion picture film, 35mm/120/E6 still image film, self-developing, alternative photography processes, VHS, and audio/visual synthesis) which repeatedly yields wavering results - something that keeps things exciting. Termite-like, he dives into his work with saturated attention as creation is what makes him feel most present. He is currently pursuing a BFA at UWM - Peck School of the Arts in film, video, animation, and new genres and works as Head Curator of Seen|Scene.
Callan's practice consists of video art, photography, design, and sound. He specializes in/welcomes the production of the following: music videos/films/visualizers, portraiture, cover art, graphic design, performance/live visuals, and audio (recording, scoring, and producing).
Commissions/collaborations/inquires:
2021:
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Work Selection - Witness (curated by Efrem Zelony-Mindell) in collection at MoMA
Westward - photograph (2018)
2020:
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Storefront Display - MKE Downtown BID #21
motion - digital film (2018)
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Work Selection - MUFF 2020 poster
self portrait - photograph (2020)
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Official Selection - Milwaukee Film Festival
MIIV - Suburban (made with SAINT A) - digital film (2019)
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Work Selection - running to the edge of the world (curated by Efrem Zelony-Mindell)
Westward - photograph (2018)
2019:
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Honorable Mention - SEFF Binghamton
Easy Living - digital film (2019)
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Video Internship
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
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Named Head Curator
Seen|Scene screening series
2018:
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Feature - Vernacular Publication Issue #3
Aster Laevis - photograph (2018)
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Cover Art - Vernacular Publication Issue #2
Let Me Breathe - photography series (2018)
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Exhibition - 4th Annual UWM Focus Juried Exhibition Juried by Jess Dugan
Emulation - photograph (2018)
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Feature - Aspirants Magazine
5-page photography spread with interview
2017:
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Official Selection - Milwaukee Film Festival
Green Creek - Father Nature - digital film (2017)
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Silver Key - Scholastic Art Awards
A Fool's Paradise - photograph (2016)
2016:
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Official Selection - Kettle Moraine Film Festival
Sakayume (directed by Kaiuna Odogba) - digital film (2016)
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Production Assistant - Milwaukee Art Museum
Welcome Home (curated by Kathryn Martin) - installation (2016)
motion (2018) screening on Wisconsin Ave/Second St in Milwaukee, 2020