edrex fontanilla ::
is an experimental filmmaker and new media artist whose creative practice fuses sculptural and computational methods to explore perception, materiality, and temporality. He researches how the study of human psychology and cognition can inform approaches in experimental media. With an orientation towards socially responsible expression, Fontanilla is committed to a reflective teaching practice that enables young minds to develop their voice.
Fontanilla joined the Division of Mass Communication at St. John's University in 2018 to spearhead the creation of a new academic program, "Game Development and Emerging Media," with the support of a $110,000 research grant.
• explored the material characteristics of hybrid digital media, in order to expose the different ontological states of digital art and emerging communication forms (e.g., the Mutable Sculpture series, the Seær series).
• investigated the affordances of immersive media towards affecting positive and social change (e.g., the Empathy for Place series, the Empathy for People series).
EXHIBITIONS & PERFORMANCES
2019
Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu, Nepal
Loading Dock Gallery, Lowell, MA
SWIM Coalition Public Art Project, Queens NY
2018
Queens Museum, Queens, NY
Sierra Arts Gallery, Reno, NV
2017
Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO
Woven Heritage ( نسيج ثقافي ) International Miniature Printmaking Exhibition, United Arab Emirates
Barrett Art Center, Poughkeepsie, NY
2016
Chance Ecologies: Newtown Creek, Queens, NY
Queens Museum, Queens, NY
2015
LIC Arts Open, Reis Studios, Queens, NY
Radiator Gallery, Queens, NY
2014
TechFest 2014, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS
2019
Emergence of Manichean Political Rhetoric – Theoretical modeling of Predictive Frameworks
Truth and Communication in the Age of Misinformation from Kierkegaard to Social Media
St. Johns University, Queens, NY
2018
Employing Disability Simulations and Preliminary Virtual Reality Technology to Foster Cognitive and
Affective Empathy towards Individuals with Disabilities, book chapter
Scientific Concepts behind Happiness, Kindness and Empathy in Contemporary Society
2017
Chance Ecologies: Artists and Post-Industrial Urban Wilderness, Union Docs, Brooklyn, NY
2016
Hidden Vistas: Empathy and Place in Virtual Reality Installations
Chance Ecologies: Queens Symposium, Queens Museum, Queens, NY
"Empathy for Place," Mediapolis Journal, http://www.mediapolisjournal.com/2016/09/empathy-for-place/
2014
Sear: A New Media Text Delivery System, 14th Biennial Symposium for Arts and Tech, Connecticut College, New London, CT
AWARDS/GRANTS/RESIDENCIES
2019
St. John's University Research Infrastructure Grant
Getting to Zero in Dutch Kills Public Art Grant
2018
Sierra Arts Gallery Grant
2017
Arrow Five Years Out Art Commission
2016
Queens Museum Studio in the Park Residency
2013
Andrew G. Mellon Grant