Amanda Rowan
Amanda Rowan’s artistic journey is a vibrant exploration of femininity, sexuality, and societal dynamics, resonating through her provocative still life and self-portrait compositions. Infused with humor, her images capture playful and sensual moments while delving into the profound intricacies of womanhood, where power intertwines with vulnerability.
Acting as both curator and subject, Rowan orchestrates richly styled vignettes that beckon viewers into realms of mysticism and seduction, challenging conventional perceptions of femininity and gender roles. Her artistic prowess has garnered widespread acclaim, evidenced by accolades such as “The Curator Award 2019” from Photo District News (P.D.N.), “Photographer of the Year 2018” bestowed by the International Chromatic Photography Publication, and the prestigious Tokyo International Award for Photography in 2019. Exhibited globally, her works grace renowned galleries and events like Carrie Able Gallery, Photo LA, and Art Basel. Notably, her pieces find a permanent home in the distinguished collection at The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, alongside masterpieces by iconic artists like Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol.
In 2021, Rowan embarked on a transformative journey with her series “Place Setting” during a fellowship at the Women’s International Study Center at Acequia Madre House. The subsequent 2022 exhibition of these works offered a poignant exploration of gender, class, and domesticity through surrealism, inspired by the legacies of three generations of women. The accompanying art film “Place Setting” premiered at the 46th Mill Valley Film Festival in October 2023, coinciding with a solo exhibition at Poet and/the Bench Gallery.
Originally from the Bay Area, Rowan began her journey in rock concert photography before graduating Cum Laude from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Now based in Los Angeles, Rowan serves as a Full-Time Faculty at the Photo Arts Conservatory at the New York Film Academy, enriching both MFA and BFA programs. Rowan’s work has been profiled in international publications, such as; Hunger Magazine, Lenscratch, Creative Boom, Float Mag, Eye of Photography, and on Artnet. Rowan’s commercial clients also include; Disney Jr., Grubhub, New York Times, HBO, Hilton Entertainment, Sotheby’s and Brawn. Rowan’s background in performance, including roles in film, TV, and Broadway productions, infuses her photographic work with a heightened sense of theatricality and storytelling. Her experiences capturing the essence of musicians and celebrities in New York City have honed her ability to evoke emotion and narrative depth, resulting in visually captivating compositions that blur the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting viewers into immersive worlds of surrealism and introspection.
