Student spotlight: Austin Clark, Studio Art B.F.A.

Indiana University senior Austin Clark is currently pursuing a dual degree in art history (B.A.) and studio art (B.F.A., photography) and working as an assistant in the Eskenazi School’s Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Exploring themes of community, spirituality, and epistemology, Austin's art practice has taken him across the globe. Supported by a Grafton D. Trout Study Abroad Scholarship, Austin spent two months in the summer of 2024 studying at the Kyoto University of the Arts in Japan, where he appreciated a culture of artmaking in which process is valued over outcome.

In 2023, Austin brought three members of the Eighteen Art Collective, a group of prominent Black Indianapolis artists, to the Bloomington campus to discuss art, race, and truth as part of Themester 2023. In 2024, he was awarded the Grafton D. Trout Essay Prize for his essay "Magic in Reality: Looking at ETA Hoffmann and Hayao Miyazaki to Compare Fantasies and Realities." Austin’s senior photography show is currently on view in the Fall BFA Thesis Exhibition at the Grunwald Gallery of Art. Eskenazi School communications and marketing intern Forough Sehat interviewed Austin for this profile. 

Forough: Let's start with introductions! Tell me briefly about yourself, background, interests, and what drew you to photography. 

Austin: I've always been curious about the world, which ties into my love for photography and art history. I'm also fascinated by languages and cultures; there's so much beauty and complexity in how we communicate. I tried to minor in Japanese, but it didn't quite work out. So, I'd say my academic interests are photography, art history, and languages. 

Forough: How did you decide to study photography and art history? What brought you to this point? 

Austin: Funny enough, I started as a pre-med student. I've always been creative, even as a kid, though not necessarily in traditional ways like drawing or painting. I loved art classes in high school, and photography, especially, resonated with me. That's when I started thinking about art more seriously. 

When I got to college, I realized I wanted to do something I enjoyed every day. So, I switched to a studio art major with a focus on photography and added art history to make things "more practical." But now I see both as deeply intertwined; they're both real and fulfilling in their own ways. 

Forough: You also work with the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Can you tell me more about your role there and the work you're involved in? 

Austin: Sure. I am an assistant to [IDEA Director] Tianrui Ma, focusing on creating accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone, especially marginalized communities. A big part of our work involves event planning. 

For example, we've organized panels, like one we recently held for National Hispanic Heritage Month. We invited artists to discuss their work and how their Latino identities influence their art or don't. It was a really honest and open conversation. It touched on questions about identity, artmaking, and even how diversity is sometimes capitalized on. It happened in the Grunwald Gallery, which made it even more special. 

We also do initiatives like care weeks during finals. We set up tables with snacks, coffee, and little care packages to remind students they're supported. It's a small thing, but it shows we're here for the community. I like that Eskenazi prioritizes access and representation; it's about ensuring everyone feels they belong and can fully participate. 

Forough: That sounds impactful. How does this work tie into your academic or personal practice? 

Austin: At first, I didn't see the connection. But over time, I've realized how interconnected everything is. My work with IDEA, photography, and art history studies is all about access, access to knowledge, representation, and community. 

In my work, I explore spirituality inspired by the worldview of the Kingdom of the Kongo, a kingdom that no longer exists but still lives in its people. This worldview has taught me that knowledge comes in many forms, often beyond the traditional academic setting. This broader understanding of access informs everything I do, from my art to my work with IDEA. 

Forough: You mentioned your interest in Japan and spending time there. How did that experience influence your work?

Austin: It was transformative. I went through an IU photography program with the help of our faculty members, James Nakagawa and David Ondrik, who partnered with Kyoto University. We worked with their grad students and even had a group exhibition in Kyoto.  

What struck me was how Japanese artists approach their practice. They're less focused on fitting into traditional ideas of photography and more interested in how it fits into their lives. That mindset taught me to enjoy the process rather than fixate on the outcome, which has been a game-changer for me. 

Forough: What projects are you working on now? 

Austin: I'm currently in my thesis semester, completing my first fully realized body of work, which will be exhibited in the Grunwald Gallery in December. It's exciting and unbelievable to see something come together after two years of effort. 

I'm also preparing for my art history thesis, focusing on research and framing questions. It feels like a big step, both in terms of my writing and understanding my academic voice. 

Forough: That sounds like a busy but rewarding time! What was the thought process behind this collection, and how do you generally approach your creative projects?

Austin: What inspired me to pursue this project and most of my projects is my desire to understand myself more deeply. That has been my approach toward most of my experiences, where my focus is more on the process and how I would relate to that process.

Forough: How did you choose IU and the Eskenazi School? 

Austin: Honestly, I chose IU because it was affordable, but it turned out to be the best decision. The photography program is incredible, and the faculty, Elizabeth M. Claffey, Osamu James Nakagawa, David Ondrik, and Atefeh Farajolahzadeh have been so influential. Everything just fell into place, and I realized how lucky I was to be here. 

Forough: The greatest debate of all time, analog or digital photography? 

Austin: That's tough! They're like different dialects of the same language. Analog has a certain magic, especially in the darkroom, but digital offers flexibility and is tied to our era. I'd say analog today, but I might change my mind tomorrow. 

Forough: What do you love most about Bloomington? 

Austin: I'll admit, I didn't love it when I first arrived, but it's grown on me. The community and the natural beauty, especially in the fall, are wonderful. Finding my place within the arts here made all the difference, and now I can't imagine my journey without Bloomington. 

Forough: Looking ahead, what does the future hold for you? 

Austin: I want to keep exploring and learning. My immediate goal is to pursue residencies; they're a great way to travel, create, and grow as an artist. I'd also like to return to Japan to solidify my language skills and explore its art world further. Beyond that, I hope to write more seriously, perhaps for a press or magazine. Ultimately, I want to feel fulfilled wherever that path takes me. 

Forough: What advice would you give to someone starting at IU? 

Austin: Pay attention to the little things. Look at the sky, the trees, and the details around you. Live authentically and embrace your unique way of experiencing the world. In those moments of awareness, you'll find meaning and connection. 

Forough: Beautifully said. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. 

Austin: Thank you! I enjoyed our conversation too.