Mary Patten

Mary Patten is a Full Professor in the Department of Film, Video, New Media, and Animation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Her work integrates studio practice with community-based activism, focusing on social justice, racial equity, and queer liberation. She is deeply involved in archiving marginalized histories, particularly through documenting movements like ACT UP and collaborations with Chicago Torture Justice Memorals.

Her research interests revolve around the intersection of art, activism, and archives, emphasizing the preservation of ephemeral cultural materials. Patten’s sabbatical projects, such as 'In and around my archives' (2020), highlight her commitment to reimagining historical narratives through digitization and creative reinterpretation.

Her practice encompasses video, photography, writing, and printmaking, often addressing systemic injustices like the AIDS crisis and carceral state oppression. She frequently collaborates with curators, researchers, and students to ensure accessibility of her archives for future generations.