Chelsey A. Anderson

About the Artist

Chelsey A. Anderson (she/her) is an artist scholar who lives and works in Montgomery, Maryland. She makes paintings and drawings that cue the environment, body, spirit, and reference human-made systems that are meshed in an illustrious world of signifiers and personal narratives.  Anderson’s work is concerned with questions about how systems impact each other and how an individual is positioned within the collective. She has earned two pinnacle degrees in the arts, including a Master of Arts Management (2015) and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio (2022), both from American University, Washington DC. Anderson has exhibited throughout Maryland and Washington DC, including at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Maryland Art Place, Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center, DISTRICT Arts, etc.

Artist's Statement

I'm interested in the relationship between the esoteric/spirituality and human equity, wherein spirit teaches us that we are all connected through energy and the physical earth that we occupy, while in contrast our human experiences often teach us that we are different and divided by fear. My artwork is about the journey and story of “the individual”, who awakens to energy and spirit through social and self-interrogation, in order to find themselves as a new being within the collective. The undercurrent of my studio practice acknowledges the metaphysical energy within and surrounding each of us. This shows up in the colors and environments that I create, which lend themselves to nature, balance, and often in reference to a magically charged trinity (i.e., mind, body and spirit; Maiden, Mother and Crone; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, etc.). The tidal currents of my work acknowledge our 3D human experience. This is fueled by a research-driven endeavor to learn from authors, mentors, advocates, and other creatives who have dedicated their lives and practice to human rights and equity. I unpack these themes through surreal, theatrical, and drama-based imagery. Figures find themselves in disjointed environments and surrounded by illustrious signifiers. There is often a push/pull between how we experience the weight of human life and a deep inner knowing that we are connected to a broader collective, to something better, to each other. Currently (2023 and onward), I am further bridging my dedication to both spirit and human equity through my art. It is in this space that my work becomes less about my personal narrative and more about community, true allyship, and connection. I explore these themes through painting, drawing, printmaking, writing, and digital mediums.