معرفی
John Banasiak is a tenured Professor in the Department of Art at the University of South Dakota since 1980. He earned his BFA (1972) and MFA (1975) in Photography from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with additional studies at University of Krakow (1973) and St. John's College (1971).
- BFA: School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1972)
- MFA: School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1975)
- Summer Schools: University of Krakow (1973), Ox Bow Summer School (1972), St. John's College (1971)
Banasiak conceptualizes Photography as a medium for emotional truth beyond mechanical representation. His creative research focuses on 19th-century non-silver processes like the Van Dyke Brown and Kallitype techniques, aiming to reinterpret physical reality into metaphorical significance. His pedagogy emphasizes self-discovery through technical mastery intertwined with personal growth, reflected in projects like 'The Quantity of X' and 'Views from the Halls of Purgatory.'
His recent works (2016-2022) explore themes of identity, place, and historical processes, often published in journals like Creative Quarterly and The Photo Review. Notably, his 2022 'Passage' series examines poetic documentation through non-traditional sequencing.
- Scientific Awards: Governor's Award (2021), Creative Quarterly's '100 Best' (2015), USD Research Grants (2010-2023), South Dakota Arts Council Fellowships (2013-16)
- Grants: 'When Light Dreams' (2023), 'ND/SD Photography Portfolio' (2016-18), 'Night Walk' (2016-Present), 'Place and Identity' (2010-11)
Banasiak's USD lab specializes in 19th-century photographic methods, serving as a research hub for historical processes. He collaborates with institutions like South Dakota Arts Council, Joseph Bellows Gallery, and USD College of Fine Arts, with works archived in collections including The Nelson-Atkins Museum and University of South Dakota Art Collection.
