Nathanael Absher was born in Sparta, North Carolina in 1989. Early in childhood he realized an affinity for image making, illustrating self-published books on construction paper covered in glitter crayon. Maintaining this need to present a narrative, he now reiterates his personal and literary-rich stories on canvas, calling on a varied assortment of artists from various points in history as influence and aid. Absher began serious artistic exploration while in high school at North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem; an experience designed for self-exploration, character building, and technical achievement. In 2007, Absher moved to Baltimore to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he is currently persuing a bachelors of fine arts in painting with a minor in art history. His current work reconciles the ideas of religion and sexuality while also questioning the relevance of Old Master technique and stylization in the contemporary world.
EDUCATION
2011 Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, BFA, Painting
2007 North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, HSD, Visual Arts Concentration
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2009 Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Inter/Arts:MICA/BSO, Baltimore, MD
2008 Maryland Institute College of Art, Juried Undergraduate Exhibition, Baltimore, MD
2008 Maryland Institute College of Art, Foundations Show, Baltimore, MD
2007 Maryland Institute College of Art, Drawing II – Ken Tisa, Baltimore, MD
2007 North Carolina School of the Arts, Senior Thesis Exhibition, Winston-Salem, NC
2007 North Carolina School of the Arts, White and Black, Winston-Salem, NC
PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC