“People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them”, James Baldwin.
We often ponder the things we’ve carried with us through generations. My work is an amalgamation of experiences and interest, some shared, some personal. I see my portraits as translations of the passing of time coupled with the thought that we cannot truly understand who we are until we investigate the roots of our past, asking how we have progressed or not from pivotal moments in time.
When I paint portraits, most of which are of African Americans, the skin tones I choose are made up of various colors. I strive to express the energy or mood that exudes from within them but also the resonating energy that comes from within me. It feels almost like an exchange of vibration or force between artist and subject.
My goal is to expand on the idea of a portrait and the subjects I chose, both technically and materially. Combining materials such as wood and found objects along with collage, printmaking techniques and more; I’m using my process to help discover more about myself, my culture and my navigation through this moment in time. With my work, as I’m learning, searching and researching, I hope to bring the viewer along on that journey and possibly create a bit of reflection within them as well.
Biography
Athena Astraea Scott is an interdisciplinary artist from Philadelphia, Pa. Athena is a recent graduate of Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts receiving her MFA (2022), she also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Web Design from The Art Institute of Philadelphia (2006) and is currently a resident artist at Cherry Street Pier (Philadelphia, Pa). When painting portraits, most of which are of African Americans, the skin tones are normally made up of various colors. The desire is to express that energy or mood that exudes from within her subjects but also from within herself. Almost like an exchange of vibration or force between artist and subject joining to become one. Athena’s goal is always to continue to grow creatively and push the idea of what a portrait can be no matter the material, with her subjects touching on identity, memory and the parallels of the past and present.
Education
2022
MFA, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2006
BS, Multimedia Web Design, Art Institute of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Awards and Honors
2022
Wind Fellowship
2020
Dedalus Foundation Fellowship (Nomination)
Mural Arts Philadelphia Black Artist Fellowship
Merit Award Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
The Village's Emergency Gap Fund for Black Artists
Professional Experience
2022
Graduate Teaching Assistant - After School Program - Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
2013-2020
AMResorts
Exhibitions
2022
Something old, Something new - Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Annual Student Exhibition (ASE) - Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2021
Portraits - Light Space Gallery (Online)
Different Gifts - Gallery 8133, Chestnut Hill, PA
101 Artists - Gallery 222, Malvern, PA
Paths - Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Be The Change - West Elm, Philadelphia, PA
Turning Heroes Into Heroes - Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Unfolding - Atelier Art Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2020
Group Show - Gallery 222, Malvern, PA
2016
Closure and Connection - Studio 10TWO5, Philadelphia, PA
