Artist Talk - Anthony Sonnenberg

Sonnenberg’s talk took place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22 2023, in Eskenazi Hall’s Basile Auditorium. A reception will followed. The Herron School of Art and Design was abuzz with excitement as it hosted an inaugural event for its LGBTQIA+ student forum, featuring the talented multimedia artist Anthony Sonnenberg. The evening kicked off with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the traditional ancestral territories on which the event was held, setting a tone of respect and community. The forum was made possible through the generous support of the Indiana University Queer Philanthropy Circle, among other sponsors, emphasizing the collective effort behind this groundbreaking initiative. Attendees were treated to an engaging talk by Sonnenberg, whose work spans a range of mediums, from ceramics to textile. With his pieces represented in galleries across Dallas, Florida, and Los Angeles, Sonnenberg shared insights into his creative process and the themes of desire, beauty, time, and death that permeate his work. His unique approach to art, blending historical references with personal narratives, made for an unforgettable evening that celebrated the power of queer voices in art. The event not only showcased Sonnenberg's incredible talent but also highlighted Herron's commitment to fostering an inclusive space for dialogue and creativity. As the audience left, buzzing with inspiration, it was clear that this event was not just a showcase of art but a vibrant celebration of community, diversity, and the transformative power of creative expression. ABOUT THE ARTIST Anthony Sonnenberg (b. 1986) earned a B.A. in 2009 with an emphasis in Italian and Art History and an M.F.A. in 2012 in Sculpture at the University of Washington. His work ranges from porcelain to performance and has been shown across the United States and internationally. He has been awarded residencies at the Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency (2017; 2008), the Lawndale Artist Studio Program (2016), Sculpture Space (2014), the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts (2014), and Pilchuck Glass School (2012). Recent exhibitions of his work include the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Contemporary Art Museum in Houston, and the Fuller Craft Museum in Boston. ABOUT THE EXHIBITION Sonnenberg’s talk is presented in conjunction with It’s the only life that I’ve ever known, a group exhibition featuring the work of Herron alumni who identify as queer. The show will be on view in Eskenazi Hall’s Marsh Gallery from March 22, 2023 through April 22, 2023. Visit herrongalleries.org for details on parking, exhibitions, and more. As an institution of higher education, Indiana University encourages and supports the free and civil exchange of ideas and academic freedom and regularly invites speakers from diverse perspectives to our campuses. Visit freespeech.iu.edu for more information.