Ben Altman began to work as an artist some ten years ago - in his late forties - after a variegated career that included towing icebergs, professional sailboat racing, and commercial photography.
Ben explores political, social, and personal issues using his body, community, and way of life, often through self-imposed difficulties and absurdity. He has long been intrigued by the specious veracity, seductive power, and conceptual tensions of photographs. These concerns have led him to mixed media and interdisciplinary work: hand-made multiple and segmented prints supported by a variety of materials and objects; installations that use his skills in rigging, carpentry, and contraptions; and now video installations.
Ben invites audiences to manipulate his work and participate in it, sometimes using internet tools. He builds community and connections through audience participation in projects and trading schemes. He is interested and active in using art to create connections between individuals and communities within his local area of Ithaca, NY.
Recently Ben has begun to collaborate with three other artists as the 2X2 Collective, including a forthcoming residency at Sculpture Space in Utica, NY.