Your name
Austin Cullen
Place of birth
Houston, Texas, USA
Place where you live now
Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
3 words to describe you
Curious, Observant, Ambitious
Why do you take pictures?
There are a few reasons that I take pictures. I enjoy the act of shooting, the workflow of editing and printing, and the collaborative aspects of photography as a medium. However, the biggest reason why I enjoy taking pictures is because it allows me to have a better understanding and appreciation of the world around me.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Talking with museum professionals is usually my main source for inspiration. I have extensive diolouges with scientists, fabricators, archivists and directors about the history and trajectory of natural history museums and display. These conversations give me insight into the decisionmaking and history behind most elements of museum display. This insight often points me to subjects of interest. I'm not having these conversations everyday, so I also find inspiration in the books I read, artists I look at, and things I observe day to day. As I'm sure most photographers would agree, it's difficult to stop seeing the world photographically, so I'm always finding new things in the world that intrigue me and inspire future works.
Who are your influences?
Evidence by Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan is a huge influence. I'm also a huge fan of Luigi Ghirri, An-My Le, Drew Nikonowicz, and Guy Martin. I have tons of photographic influences, but I also take a lot of influence from the history of natural history museums and display. My partner is also a working artist, so I do take a lot of inspiration from her practice as well.
What determines the subject matter you choose?
Most of my photographs are the result of a conversation that I've had, or they're from something that I've read. While I'm out photographing, I tend to be interested in subjects that present natural subjects in not unnatural ways, but human ways. Cubed dioramas, miniature mountains, and projected rivers don't feel strange when they're a part of a larger display, but they do when they're isolated and placed with other absurdities.
What impact would you like your art to have?
I want my photographs to have the viewers question their understanding of and relationship to the natural world as taught by natural history museums and larger exterior natural spaces, like national parks. These spaces tend to be rooted in othering ideas of nature that exclude people from the natural world. I have a deep appreciation for museums, but while they are scientific I don't always think they're objective, and I hope that my images cause my viewers to feel the same.
What artwork do you never get bored with?
I have a hard time not enjoying installation based immersive experiences. Olafur Eliasson in particular makes some amazing works. Photographically, I can't get over Rinko Kawauchi's images.
Is there anything you want to add?
I'm regularly updating my website with new work, so if you want to keep up with what I've been up to please check it out!
