Exhibited: H - Z: Ben Volta

As an artist, I work with others to conceptualize an art idea, and explore how each contributing participant might incorporate his or her unique vision into that idea. A studio or classroom becomes a stage where collaborating young artists create unique multiples, which are then merged together into a collective vision. The process of clustering and/or framing a fractured group of unique individual parts is the underlying thread passing though my work. Collective forms are arranged, stacked, and drawn together, then architecturally combined to mutually reinforce each artist's contribution, which is both expressed by and combined into the completed work.

I am currently pursuing this specialty in partnership with The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Fleisher Art Memorial, The Center For Emerging Visual Artists, The School District of Philadelphia, and The Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership, concentrating on the creation of significant artwork in collaboration with many under-served and at-risk youths.

For the past six years my experience as a member of Tim Rollins and K.O.S. in New York City has provided me with a foundation and appreciation for the growing importance of educational art, which is to say, the hope of developing self-perpetuating art practices that are accessible on many levels to diverse participants of all ages. I have worked with Tim Rollins and K.O.S. on projects in Philadelphia, New York City, Atlanta, and Zurich, Switzerland.

Ben Volta has a BFA from The University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate in Sculpture from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He has held collaborative projects and exhibited at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA; The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Washington, D.C.; Alogon Gallery, Chicago, IL; and Art Basel, Basel, Switzerland; with Tim Rollins and K.O.S. He has spoken at numerous institutions including Eastern University, St. Davids, PA; Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA; and the American Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA