VISUAL AND CRITICAL STUDIES

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in May, 2004 with degrees in anthropology and art, and an emphasis in African studies. During the summer of 2005 I traveled to San Gemini, Italy with a program from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. While there, I studied historic preservation methods, learned traditional painting techniques including fresco, and worked on an archaeological dig. In 2008 I completed work on my MA in Visual and Critical Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a thesis titled, “Food Poetics: Essays on the Use and Meaning of Food.” I remain interested in the role of food in our lives, and I continue to explore the nature and use of food and drink in various media and environments, including painting, photography, sculpture, gardening, brewing, cooking, and serving.

As a freelance writer, I’ve written for a number of publications including UR Chicago, Bloom, and Indianapolis Monthly. I focus mainly on topics related to food and drink, but also write generally on art and culture.


Website: www.benmadeska.com
Contact: madeska@gmail.com