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Chad States

Artist Statement

My current body of work investigates people who desire to be seen as masculine and the variety of definitions concerning the term “masculine.” Using portraiture as the means of expression, I have attempted to democratize notions of masculinity by inviting anyone who identifies with being masculine to pose for a portrait. Through listings on internet sites and flyers posted around the city, I begin by simply asking the question “Are you masculine?” If those who respond do not meet my personal definition of masculinity, it doesn’t matter; my interest lies in their personal definition and in their relationship to their own masculinity. The models are anonymous until the time of meeting and are not paid to pose. Upon meeting, I work in collusion with the model to create an image that best represents them and their masculinity. The setting is either the model’s home or a location of their choice that they feel best portrays this masculinity. By using a large format camera, the portraits are done in a formal style with every pose intentional and deliberate on the part of the subject.


Curriculum Vitae

E D U C A T I O N

MFA candidate Tyler School of Art
BA Evergreen State College


S O L O E X H I B I T I O N S

2007 MFA Thesis Show Temple Gallery Philadelphia PA
2005 Of Course We Know No Bounds 1506 Projects Seattle WA
2004 The Autonomous Connection 4Culture Gallery Seattle WA
2004 Invented Truths Zeitgeist Seattle WA
2003 The Storytellers Consolidate Works Seattle WA
2002 Modern Fables Zeitgeist Seattle WA


G R O U P E X H I B I T I O N S

2007 The Barbershop 10 Barbershop Gallery Philadelphia PA
2007 Constructions Hunter College Times Square Gallery New York NY
2004 Juried Member’s Show Photographic Center Northwest Seattle WA
2003 Sustaining Vision Photographic Center Northwest Seattle WA
2001 Bumberbienniale Seattle Center Seattle WA


A W A R D S

2006 Project Completion Grant Temple University
2006 Teaching Assistantship Temple University
2005 Teaching Assistantship Temple University


P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E

2006 Adjunct Faculty Tyler School Of Art Fall 2006
2005 Teaching Assistant Tyler School of Art Fall 2005
2004 Gallery Assistant James Harris Gallery


G U E S T L E C T U R E R

2006 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design