Bent Networks, Distorted Worlds: In Conversation with Artist Evan Roth
Written by Willow Hayward
Evan Roth, a contemporary artist and professor of senior Thesis in the BFA Art Media and Technology program, will give a talk at Parsons Paris Galerie 45 on January 21, 2025 at 4pm. Anyone interested in joining the talk online may use this registration link.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Roth has created an impressive body of work that bridges arts institutions, public spaces, and the internet. His diverse practice encompasses paintings, installations, videos, and websites. Based in Berlin, Roth is known for his innovative approach to art-making, often subverting conventional tools and materials to expose and question the hidden systems shaping our lives. His work challenges perceptions, offering fresh insights into the unseen forces and frameworks that govern our digital and physical environments.
Evan’s work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art NYC and has been exhibited at C/O Berlin, Whitechapel Gallery, Jeu de Paume, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. He was the co-founder of the Graffiti Research Lab and the Free Art & Technology Lab (F.A.T. Lab) and was awarded ArtAngel’s Everywhere commission.
Evan recently sat down for an interview with 3rd-year AMT student Olina Olseth, where he shared insights into his artistic journey and his experience as a Parsons New York MFA graduate. Click here to watch the full interview!
When teaching Thesis Studio, Roth emphasizes the critical role of prototyping in developing and presenting artistic work. He introduced us to SketchUp, a program he uses to prototype his own projects, including Worlds in Figures, within the context of a gallery space. By comparing the prototyped versions to the final exhibition images, we were able to witness how his vision evolved and came to life. This process underscored the importance of helping others—museums, galleries, and audiences alike—visualize your work within a specific space, bridging the gap between concept and execution.
From a student perspective, Roth consistently encourages us to remain flexible and open-minded in our creative processes. In a recent interview with 3rd year AMT student Olina Olseth he mentions that “passion is so much more interesting than a good portfolio”, and that when an artist is truly passionate about the work they’re creating it goes so much further than something that is perfectly clean and polished. He also advises students against becoming too attached to a single idea or perspective, urging us instead to explore multiple paths and mediums. This approach has allowed many students, myself included, to push boundaries, reframe objectives, and focus on the creative journey rather than fixating solely on the final outcome.
Roth’s belief that passion drives contemporary art has been an inspiration in my work. He reminds us that it’s not just about delivering a polished final piece—it’s the energy, exploration, and curiosity behind the work that truly makes it compelling.
For all those in Paris on Jan. 21st, this will be an incredible opportunity to learn more about the art world from a Parsons graduate, who once stood where we as students are now. It will be an invaluable chance for us to ask questions and gain insights into the challenges and rewards of what being an artist today looks like. You won’t want to miss it and we hope to see you there!