The third Dodd Dialogues lecture includes Rachel Debuque, who graduated in 2013 with an MFA in Sculpture, and Justin Plakas who graduated in 2012 with an MFA in Photography. Their multi-disciplinary background is reflected in their collaboration, PLAKOOKEE. PLAKOOKEE creates work that ranges from socially engaged residency projects, to installations, videos, and design. In this lecture, entitled A Couple of Artists, Debuque and Plakas discuss the trials of balancing two academic careers, seeking employment, and creative fulfillment. This iteration of Dodd Dialogues will focus on how two Dodd Alumni have managed to foster a thriving collaborative project, a marriage, and two creative, academic careers. 

Rachel Debuque is a visual artist and designer whose work spans installation, sculpture, video, and performance. Her work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the United States and internationally. Debuque was an artist in residence at The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and a Southern Constellations Fellow at Elsewhere A Living Museum. Debuque’s work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Washigton City Paper, and ART 21 Magazine, amongst many others. Debuque is currently an Assistant Professor at George Mason University’s School of Art and Design.

Justin Plakas is a visual artist and designer whose work is actively engaged with the interaction between physical and virtual environments. His work has been screened in festivals and exhibited in galleries throughout the United States and internationally. Plakas was an artist in residence at The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, The Hub Culture Arts Initiative, and he attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. In addition to his personal studio practice, he has worked in film production and photography, advertising, and design. Justin’s work has been featured in Juxtapoz, The Huffington Post, Bat City Review, and Garden and Gun, to name a few. He is currently Visiting Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at The George Washington University teaching New Media and Digital Processes.

This Dodd Dialogues lecture will take place on April 10, 2017 at 1:00 pm in the Dodd Art Library (N201 on the second floor).