The School of Art at Kent State University is pleased to announce the hire of Dadisi Curtis Jr., M.F.A., as a visiting assistant professor of studio art for the 2024-25 academic year.
Professor Curtis will be teaching in the print media and photography program.
Dadisi Curtis is an alum of Kent State University where he received a B.F.A. He then went on to earn the M.F.A. in printmaking from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa in May 2022. During his time at the University of Iowa, he taught courses such as printmaking and the politics of protest, and elements of printmaking.
Professor Curtis was a 2023 Print Fellow and Master Printer at the Wassaic Project in Wassaic, NY, and until his appointment in the School of Art, he served as the photography studio technician at Pratt Munson Williams Proctor in Utica, NY. Recent Exhibitions of his work include Ultraviolet Monster Iowa City, IA. USA, Havens Inquiry , IA. USA, and the Screen-print Biennial, Opalka Gallery & Janet Turner Museum Albany, NY. USA. & Chico, CA. USA.
In his art practice, one of the defining characteristics of Curtis' work is the use of black light or ultraviolet light as a framework for alternative perspectives. White light is the view that most individuals reside within, this is the lens that most Americans dwell within. It adheres to a view that is generally accepted and welcome. The shift to black light is subtle but it represents a hidden view. Ultraviolet light is requiring a shift in how one views the world. It is a light that most live within, only dipping into white light when conforming is required.
Welcome, Professor Curtis, to the School of Art!