Austen Brown

Austen Brown is a Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) in the Art & Technology / Sound Practices department. He holds a BA from Evergreen State College (2007) and an MFA from SAIC (2015). His practice focuses on sound, video, and installation art to explore urban planning, architecture, and their social implications. He teaches courses such as Introduction to Sound Practices, Analog Synthesis, and Sound Projects.

His research investigates the intersection of technology and acoustic environments, exemplified in works like SoundThinking (critiquing surveillance technology) and Planning the Site (examining modernist urban planning). Exhibitions include venues such as the Chicago Artists Coalition, Super-Sensor (Madrid), and the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts. His works often address the tension between architectural ideals and lived realities.

• Awards & Grants: HATCH, ACRE, Pew Charitable Trust, Illinois Arts Council funding for Planning the Site
• Residencies: ACRE, Municipal Arts League Fellowship

Brown’s interdisciplinary approach combines technical sound practices with sociocultural critique, reflecting on how built environments shape societal dynamics. His courses emphasize historical contexts and technical mastery, fostering innovation in sound art.