Owen Schuh

Owen Schuh draws his inspiration from mathematical rules, algorithms and complex organic systems. In particular, he is fascinated by simple sets of well-defined rules that generate unexpectedly intricate and nuanced structures. His work is painstakingly created by hand, using at most the aid of a pocket calculator. "Although the spectre of determinism and reductionism lurks behind every corner, I find the process of utilizing mathematical rigor to actually be a liberating one" says Schuh. "Though I must submit to the dictates of an algorithm, I gain access to new formal and structural possibilities." 

Initially pursuing biology, Owen earned a degree in fine art and philosophy in 2004 from Haverford College, Philadelphia,PA. In 2007, he received his Masters of Fine Art from The Tyler School of Art, also in Philadelphia, and completed his final year of study in Rome, Italy. Owen returned to Haverford college to teach drawing and painting in 2008 before moving to San Francisco the following year. Schuh has exhibited in Germany, Italy, and throughout the United States, and has lectured occasionally on his work and algorithmic art practice. His work is included in a number of private collections, as well as the Kupferstichkabinett of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. He volunteers at the San Francisco Exploratorium museum and is a former resident at the artist collective Root Division, where he taught after school classes in origami to under-served public school students. He is currently involved in a collaboration with the mathematician Satyan Devadoss. Their collaboration, titled The Cartography of Tree Space, exhibited at Satellite Berlin. Schuh lives and works in Philadelphia and is represented by ART3 in Brooklyn, NY. 

Courtesy of the artist