JOSEPH HOCKER

I have been building small temporary sculptures nature. These reactive structures are based on the environments that I place myself within, and are made with the materials at hand. The longevity of these sculptures is related to the construction and materials used to build them, as well as external forces. Much like the body survives in its lifetime, these small sculptures play with the balance between life and death.

Over the last year, I have spent a significant amount of time visiting loved ones lying in intensive care unit beds in various hospitals. During my time visiting each of them, I began to think about the tight grip we as humans have on staying alive, the fragility of life, and the mortal precipice of which we are constantly toeing the edge. As human beings, we are susceptible to a variety of situations that may push us over that edge.

Education

Master of Fine Arts in Photography 2014
Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography 2011
The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Selected Solo Exhibitions

amid the noise and haste 6/2014
Gravy Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

amid the noise and haste 3/2014
Temple Contemporary, Philadelphia, PA

My Dear, Dear Friend 5/2012 - 7/2012
Samaritain, Burlington, NJ

My Dear, Dear Friend 3/2012
The Lola Bean, Philadelphia, PA

Recent Works 8/2011
Balance Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

Palmyra Cove 10/2010 - present
Penn Medicine at Rittenouse, Philadelphia, PA

Artist Spotlight 11/2009
Java’s Brewin’, Limerick, PA

Curatorial Experience

Everyone Has Their ‘Go To’ 2011
The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

Re(as)semble: Works from The University of the Arts Photography Alumni 2012
Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA

Tyler Photo Faculty Show 2013
Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA