LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University’s Department of Art + Design has invited artist and photographer Renee Cox to present in an upcoming Communitas Lecture on Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. in the Wanlass/Russell Performance Hall.
Renee Cox’s work has consistently challenged and redefined the boundaries of contemporary photography. Throughout her career, she has created several powerful bodies of work that engage critical issues surrounding race, sexuality and feminism.
“In my view, every artist and photographer working today would benefit from engaging with her work,” said Associate Professor of Photography Fazilat Soukhakian. “It provides essential insight into both the personal and collective dimensions of contemporary experience.”
Cox graduated from Syracuse University with a major in film studies. Her career took her to Paris where she pursued fashion photography. After working internationally, Cox returned to New York City and continued working in fashion with magazines such as Essence, Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle and Seventeen. Cox received a Master of Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York.
Cox taught as an adjunct Professor at NYU for two years and taught at Columbia University and as a critic at Yale.
Soukhakian first came across Renee Cox’s work at the Society for Photographic Education conference, where Soukhakian heard her speak in person.
“As an artist, photographer, and educator, I was profoundly moved by her openness in sharing the stories behind her work,” Soukhakian said. “Her ability to articulate the complexities of her creative process, combined with her unapologetic approach to challenging societal norms, left a lasting impact on me.”
Her images are as fearless as they are iconic and through the Communitas Lecture Series, students will be able to engage with Cox and her work and apply diverse artistic approaches to their own work.
“I believe our students have a tremendous opportunity here, and it’s essential they fully embrace it,” Soukhakian said. “We aim to foster an understanding of art as a universal language, one that can communicate powerful messages across cultures and borders.”
During her visit, Cox will engage with undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Art + Design and provide one-on-one feedback and guidance. She will also lead a hands-on workshop for photography students and provide them with the opportunity to learn directly from her creative process and insights.
The Communitas Lecture Series, which is in its eighth year, features important visiting artists, scholars and designers from across the country and the world. This series is free and open to the public. Visit the Communitas Lecture Series website or the online calendar listing for more information.