Bio
Mike Filanc is a lens-based artist born and raised in Southern California. He cut his teeth working as a freelance portrait photographer in the San Fernando Valley. His love for portraiture and photography motivated him to pursue a fine arts degree. As a conceptual artist he utilizes darkroom techniques, alternative printmaking and digital photo manipulation to create original artworks. His influences draw from cinema, photo history, and classical painting. He is currently working towards his BFA in photography at San José State University. Upcoming Exhibitions include a BFA Group show at the Herbert Sanders Gallery in Fall 2023 and a solo exhibition in Spring 2024.
Artist Statement
My insatiable curiosity for the existential has motivated my journey in photography - it informs every decision I make as both a commercial and a fine art photographer. When I photograph a person, I’m conversing with them. I’m investigating who that person is, what motivates them, and what they love or hate. My portrait series, Becoming focuses on the dreams and career aspirations of current art school undergrads. The work explores the power of visualization and self actualization as they affect a person’s self confidence. Photography has become a tool in my ongoing pursuit of meaning as it has allowed me to explore my subconscious. In becoming familiar with my own subconscious I’m reminded of the collective bond we all share as people having uniquely human experiences. My photography unites people by calling to attention the universal experiences we share in common. I believe the medium of photography is well suited for this task, which reveals truths that words alone cannot express.
CV
MICHAEL FILANC
Email: mikefilanc@gmail.com
Personal Website: mikefilanc.com
Education
2024
BFA in Photography, San José State University, San José, CA
(expected graduation: May 2024)
2022
AA in Studio Art, Mt. San Jacinto College, Mt. San Jacinto CA
Selected Exhibitions
2024
(Upcoming) Breaking Point, BFA Solo Exhibition, Gallery 3, San José State University, San José, CA
2023
Perspectives, Group Exhibition, Theta Belcher Gallery, (SJSU), San José, CA
Honors, Awards, Grants, Residencies
2023
President's Scholar Award, San José State University
2022
President's Scholar Award, San José State University