Joel Swanson lives in Denver and works in Boulder, Colorado. Swanson explores the structure and technology of language, it’s materiality, modes of classification, and glitches in linguistic systems. His work ranges from digital art and sculpture, to interactive installations that playfully and powerfully merge words with meanings.
Swanson teaches courses on digital art and media theory at the University of Colorado. He received his Masters of Fine Art at the University of California, San Diego with a focus in Computing and the Arts. His artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally at institutions such as the Broad Museum in Lansing, The Power Plant in Toronto, and the North Miami Museum of Contemporary Art. In 2014 Swanson had a solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. He is represented by David B. Smith Gallery in Denver.
Ampersand Study No. 1, 2014, ink on paper — View detail
here/there, 2011, scan and archival digital print — View detail
RADAR, 2015, wire, stainless steel, paint — View detail
Onomatopoeia from The Uncanny X-men issue 137, page 23, 2015, powder coated steel, acrylic — View detail
Loves, 2015, found letters written to the artist, archival print on aluminum — View detail
un/non, 2014, neon — View detail
Ampersand (site specific installation), 2013, ink on wall — View detail
Sincerely, 2013, found letter written to the artist, vinyl print — View detail