Aimée Beaubien

Aimée Beaubien is an Associate Professor of Photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) since 1997. She holds a BFA (1989) and MFA (1993) from SAIC. Her work explores the intersection of photography, ecology, and installation art, redefining photographic experience through immersive environments. Key exhibitions include Through the Hothouse (2024, Hyde Park Art Center) and Into the Hothouse (2023, George Mason University).

Her research focuses on ecological themes, blending botanical elements with photographic techniques to address environmental fragility. Awards include the 2022 Paula Riff Award and the 2020 SF Camerawork Exhibition Award. Beaubien is known for installations like Cuttings (2017) and Growing Light Shadows (2017), which use paracord, bioplastic, and plant matter to create layered narratives.

As an educator, she emphasizes interdisciplinary experimentation and student mentorship, fostering environments where creativity and critical inquiry thrive. Her artist book Unfurl Unfold (2021) merges tactile design with ecological discourse. Recent projects include a residency at the Newport Art Museum (2022) and participation in the SAIC Faculty Sabbatical Triennial (2022).