ARTIST STATEMENT
Artist Statement
As a child, I was captivated by the bookshelf behind my grandpa's chair. Among its collection were books like The World Encyclopedia, filled with large pictures and words that seemed too big for me to understand. But the ones that truly fascinated me were the human anatomy books, with transparent pages that could be lifted to reveal the body’s layers—skeleton, muscles, organs—all working together to form the whole. I marveled at how each layer was integral to the human body’s function, yet distinct in its own right. This idea of layers, both seen and unseen, has continued to intrigue me throughout my life.
Growing up, I wrestled with questions of identity and belonging, struggling to accept the multiplicity of experiences that make up who I am. I’ve come to understand that, much like the layers of the human body, the construction and destruction of self is a necessary process for growth. The events, both positive and negative, are not separate from us, but integral to our existence. This process of layering—of creating and dismantling—is the foundation of my work.
As an interdisciplinary artist, I explore the sensorial, inviting the viewer to become an active participant in completing the experience. The integration of image, video, sound, sculpture, performance and installation is central to my practice, as each medium serves to deepen the layers of meaning and engagement within my art.
Bio
Kristine Hunter is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the complexities of memory and identity through a dynamic blend of photography, sculpture, and installation. With a diverse educational background spanning fine arts, fashion design, and women’s studies, Kristine brings a unique and multifaceted perspective to her artistic practice. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and a Women’s Studies Certificate from Stony Brook University, New York, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Oregon, School of Architecture and Allied Arts. In addition, she has pursued specialized studies in fashion design, earning a Certificate from the Paris Fashion Institute and an Associate of Science in Fashion Design from Plaza Three Academy in Phoenix, Arizona.
Currently, Hunter serves as Art Faculty and Fine Arts Coordinator at Bay College in Escanaba, Michigan, where she curates two on-campus galleries, manages and procures art for the Bay College Art collection . Her work has been recognized and published in the Elements of Photography (2nd edition) by artist and author Angela Faris-Belt, solidifying her place within the contemporary art conversation. Her international presence is underscored by her prestigious Artist-in-Residence positions at Château d’Orquevaux in France (2020 & 2022), where she was honored with the Denis Diderot Award. Her sculptures jouissance and the red one, created during these residencies, are now part of the permanent collection at the Château. In 2022, she was also an Artist-in-Residence on Mackinac Island, where she received the Grand Prize for the Poetic Visions of Mackinac competition. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, captivating audiences with its profound exploration of personal and collective memory.
Hunter’s dedication to fostering artistic innovation extends beyond her personal practice. In 2023, she founded the Rock Street Artist Residency at her home in Marquette, Michigan, offering a space for artists to develop their work in a collaborative and inspiring environment. Through her multifaceted roles as an educator, curator, and artist, Hunter continues to shape and contribute to the ever-evolving dialogue of contemporary art.