Aspen Hochhalter

Aspen Hochhalter is an Associate Professor of Art and the Photography Area Coordinator in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She holds an MFA in Photo-Based Media from East Carolina University and a BFA in Photography from Creighton University. Her work bridges digital technologies, historic photographic processes, and experimental materials through projects like Alt + Ink (Instagram-inspired cyanotype prints) and 92/20 Self-Portrait Series (wet plate collodion explorations of identity). Recent exhibitions include the McColl Center for Art + Innovation Residency and solo shows at Pease Gallery and Castell Photography Gallery. She also collaborates with artists like Natalie Abrams and Melissa Word on interdisciplinary projects.

Her research focuses on reinterpreting photographic waste, such as The Reclamation of Silver series, which transforms discarded darkroom materials into large-scale installations. She teaches workshops on experimental processes and has been featured in The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes. Awards include the McColl Center residency, recognizing her innovative blend of historical and digital techniques.

Hochhalter’s work often explores themes of impermanence, cultural critique, and material transformation. She currently teaches in the Department of Art and Art History at UNC Charlotte, where she mentors students in photographic practices and experimental techniques.