Daniel COSENTINO (1974, New Jersey, USA) is a Multimedia Artist and educator specializing in photographic processes and discourses. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a Minor in Music Theory/Classical Guitar from Rutgers University, NJ (1998) and a Master of Fine Arts in Imaging Arts/Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology - RIT (2009).

 

From 1998 to 2001, Cosentino honed his skills in a Custom Photo lab in Jackson, WY, where he held his first public exhibitions. He also attended a year-long post-baccalaureate studio art program at the SACI College of Art & Design in Florence, Italy (2001 - 2002), exploring traditional studio arts.

 

During his MFA candidacy in Rochester, Cosentino worked at the George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography, and collaborated with Community Design Center Rochester.

 

From 2008 to 2010, he served as an Adjunct Professor at RIT College of Art & Design and the University of Rochester School of Arts and Sciences. From September 2010 to 2020, Cosentino was based in Europe as an Assistant Professor at RIT Kosovo, teaching photography, graphic design, and web design. He currently lives, works, and teaches for SCCC in his home state of New Jersey.

 

In addition to teaching, Cosentino held leadership positions including Chair of Academic Senate, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Director of RIT Programs. His artworks, including photography and video installations, have been featured in numerous juried exhibitions across the United States.

 

He has collaborated internationally on exhibitions, talks, and symposia with institutions such as the Herron School of Art and Design, The Amical Consortium, Community Design Center Rochester, the National Gallery of Art in Kosovo, Mikser Belgrade, The University of Texas, Society for Photographic Education, among others.

In my artistic practice, I navigate the delicate balance between intended meanings and the symbols that lie beneath the surface, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the tapestry of human existence. Whether grappling with the profound loss of a dear friend, immersing myself in the pages of newfound literature, or reflecting on the cultural heritage embedded within my family's homestead, each encounter serves as a catalyst for exploration and introspection.

My creative process is rooted in keeping an open mind to the conceptual threads that emerge from ideas, allowing them to guide the construction of my artworks. This philosophy extends to the technical considerations and investments inherent in my practice, such as the incorporation of new mixed media techniques like laser etching, printmaking, and traditional hand-coated photography practices, like platinum prints. These diverse methodologies converge to enrich the depth and texture of my creations, inviting viewers to engage with multiple layers of meaning and interpretation.

Take, for example, my recent installation "Stairs to Nowhere," erected on the grounds of my family's homestead. Crafted from repurposed pallet wood originally used in pandemic medical facilities, this sculpture serves not only as a physical connection between humanity and nature but also as a metaphorical bridge between past and present, individual and universal experiences.

Similarly, in my video work "The Standing Box," I explore themes of intimacy and separation through the portrayal of two figures within a rudimentary wooden structure. This recorded interaction captures the intricate dynamics of human connection, hinting at the inevitable divergence and spiritual separation inherent in contemporary culture.

In my photograph "Driton," I employ a stylistic homage to 19th and early 20th-century pugilist cards to capture the nuanced struggle of an artist combating cultural divergence in a post-war context. Through the juxtaposition of traditional imagery with contemporary subject matter, I seek to evoke a sense of temporal fluidity, highlighting the cyclical nature of human history and the enduring relevance of past struggles in our present reality.

Overall, my body of work comprises a series of interconnected statements, each revealing a nuanced perspective and inviting viewers to probe beneath the surface. Through my art, I endeavor to transcend the confines of conventional boundaries between art and life, exploring the intricacies of human relationships while seeking to visualize the messages that propel me on my creative journey and may inspire others to embark on their own.