Bekah Baker // 龔悅明
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b. 1999 Los Angeles, living in Chicago
Multi-disciplinary artist utilizing scientific and creative strategies to engage in material exploration. Using repetition and intricate techniques, I create works grounded in our relationship with the material world; exploring in an effort to understand materials at all scales // investing time, labor, and research as a process of care. I investigate these objects and materials as records (capable of recording time, use, experience, relationship) and view my work as research, documentation, and products of processes of understanding. My work investigates the natural world, objects of personal and mundane significance, meditative process, feminine tradition, and cultural preservation; pondering the personal and impersonal, tactile and connections we have to physical objects and spaces through a variety of material and scientific methodologies. My art practice and professional ambitions seek to understand how materials behave throughout time, how they shape us as we shape them, and identify what is worth holding on to. I graduated with a BA in Curatorial Studies and a Certificate in Nonprofit Arts Management. With years of experience working in Chicago art galleries in a variety of roles—handler/preparator, curator, intern, social media manager, photographer, program coordinator, exhibitions manager, and most recently, Gallery Director at Woman Made Gallery—I feel more passion than ever for this community and mission. My experience in the field of conservation consists of an internship at the South African Institute for Heritage Science and Conservation where I studied and practiced paper & book conservation, painting conservation, metal conservation, and, briefly, stone & architectural conservation. I have since gained experience as an exhibiting artist while also working in art handling, installing, research, gallery/museum administration, design, and as a curatorial assistant. |
Plating colonies of bacteria to inform a sculptural weaving project, researching wood densities in relation to ceramic discard, developing dyes and mordants using the natural pH balance of materials in an environment are all examples of the type of collaboration between the arts and sciences that I have pursued.
RESUME
Solo ExhibitionS
March 2025 Places for Things // Specific Objects // 2025, Carlson Tower Gallery, Chicago, IL
Group Exhibitions
Upcoming 2025 Intertwined; Burns, Preserves, and Restoration, North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago, IL. (curated by Colette Wright-Adams)
Object Lessons, T. Mari Gallery, Chicago, IL. (curated by Tim Lowly)
November 2024 Small Works Members Show, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL. (juried by Astrid Houze d'Lait and Mary King)
October 2024 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
July 2024 A Tribe Called Chicago, Pilsen Community Art House, Chicago, IL.
June 2024 Girlfriends, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL. (curated by Carmen M. Perez-Stoppert and Mary Stoppert)
April 2024 From Foodies, with Love, Art Camp Chicago, Chicago, IL.
March 2024 2024 Junior Show, Carlson Tower Gallery, Chicago, IL.
March 2024 Art Department Scholarship Exhibition, Brandel Library, Chicago, IL.
October 2023 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
March 2023 Art Department Scholarship Exhibition, Brandel Library, Chicago, IL.
December 2022 Fire & Ice, LOCAL: an artisan pop-up, Chicago, IL.
October 2022 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
October 2021 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
October 2018 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
May 2017 Away We Go, Mutmutz Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
April 2017 Rumspringa, L.A.C.E. Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
April 2017 Constructs (Fashion Show), L.A.C.E. Gallery, Hollywood, CA.
January 2017 A New Regime, HRLA Gallery (Human Resources LA), Los Angeles, CA.
May 2016 LACHSA Visual Art Department Fundraiser, Fulcrum Arts, Pasadena, CA.
April 2016 They, HRLA Gallery (Human Resources LA), Los Angeles, CA.
December 2015 Primary, L.A.C.E. Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
July 2015 CSSSA Summer Review, CalArts, Santa Clarita, CA.
April 2015 Under the Skin, HRLA Gallery (Human Resources LA), Los Angeles, CA.
April 2014 Spring Up, L.A.C.E. Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
January 2014 Present Body, Pico House Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
Object Lessons, T. Mari Gallery, Chicago, IL. (curated by Tim Lowly)
November 2024 Small Works Members Show, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL. (juried by Astrid Houze d'Lait and Mary King)
October 2024 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
July 2024 A Tribe Called Chicago, Pilsen Community Art House, Chicago, IL.
June 2024 Girlfriends, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL. (curated by Carmen M. Perez-Stoppert and Mary Stoppert)
April 2024 From Foodies, with Love, Art Camp Chicago, Chicago, IL.
March 2024 2024 Junior Show, Carlson Tower Gallery, Chicago, IL.
March 2024 Art Department Scholarship Exhibition, Brandel Library, Chicago, IL.
October 2023 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
March 2023 Art Department Scholarship Exhibition, Brandel Library, Chicago, IL.
December 2022 Fire & Ice, LOCAL: an artisan pop-up, Chicago, IL.
October 2022 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
October 2021 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
October 2018 Art Extravaganza, North Park University, Chicago, IL.
May 2017 Away We Go, Mutmutz Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
April 2017 Rumspringa, L.A.C.E. Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
April 2017 Constructs (Fashion Show), L.A.C.E. Gallery, Hollywood, CA.
January 2017 A New Regime, HRLA Gallery (Human Resources LA), Los Angeles, CA.
May 2016 LACHSA Visual Art Department Fundraiser, Fulcrum Arts, Pasadena, CA.
April 2016 They, HRLA Gallery (Human Resources LA), Los Angeles, CA.
December 2015 Primary, L.A.C.E. Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
July 2015 CSSSA Summer Review, CalArts, Santa Clarita, CA.
April 2015 Under the Skin, HRLA Gallery (Human Resources LA), Los Angeles, CA.
April 2014 Spring Up, L.A.C.E. Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
January 2014 Present Body, Pico House Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
Awards
2025 STEAM Innovations Virtual Exchange Certificate, awarded by World Learning, supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI), a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administered by the Aspen Institute.
2024 Student Lincoln Laureate, awarded by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
2024 Award in 2024 Art Scholarship Juried Exhibition, awarded by Juror Marina Ross & issued by North Park University.
2023 Award in 2023 Art Scholarship Juried Exhibition, awarded by Juror Jonathan Sangster & issued by North Park University.
2017 Certificate of Recognition for Youth Leadership, issued by the California State Assembly.
2017 Certificate of Recognition for Youth Leadership, issued by the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Jose Huizar, & District 14.
2017 The Scholastic Art & Writing Award of 2017 - Honorable Mention in Mixed Media, issued by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
2017 The Scholastic Art & Writing Award of 2017 - Honorable Mention in Printmaking, issued by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
2015 California Arts Scholar, issued by the State of California through CSSSA.
2015 The Scholastic Art & Writing Award of 2015 - Gold Key in Mixed Media, issued by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
2024 Student Lincoln Laureate, awarded by the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.
2024 Award in 2024 Art Scholarship Juried Exhibition, awarded by Juror Marina Ross & issued by North Park University.
2023 Award in 2023 Art Scholarship Juried Exhibition, awarded by Juror Jonathan Sangster & issued by North Park University.
2017 Certificate of Recognition for Youth Leadership, issued by the California State Assembly.
2017 Certificate of Recognition for Youth Leadership, issued by the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Jose Huizar, & District 14.
2017 The Scholastic Art & Writing Award of 2017 - Honorable Mention in Mixed Media, issued by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
2017 The Scholastic Art & Writing Award of 2017 - Honorable Mention in Printmaking, issued by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
2015 California Arts Scholar, issued by the State of California through CSSSA.
2015 The Scholastic Art & Writing Award of 2015 - Gold Key in Mixed Media, issued by The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
Print publications
2025 Vista Magazine, annual publication, Artist
2025 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication, Artist & Lead Visual Editor
2024 Vista Magazine, annual publication, Artist & Lead Graphic Designer
2024 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication juried by North Branch Curatorial, Artist
2023 The Zine of Obscure Joys, juried by North Park University Literary Publishing, Lead Visual Editor & Illustrator
2023 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication juried by North Branch Curatorial, Artist
2022 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication juried by North Branch Curatorial, Artist
2017 Gift of Love, annual publication juried by LACHSA Alumni, Artist
2017 SWEETS Zine, monthly zine by LACHSA Zine Club, Artist
2016 DREAMS Zine, monthly zine by LACHSA Zine Club, Artist
2016 Gift of Love, annual publication juried by Visual Arts Department Chair, Artist
2015 Gift of Love, annual publication juried by Visual Arts Department Chair, Artist
2025 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication, Artist & Lead Visual Editor
2024 Vista Magazine, annual publication, Artist & Lead Graphic Designer
2024 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication juried by North Branch Curatorial, Artist
2023 The Zine of Obscure Joys, juried by North Park University Literary Publishing, Lead Visual Editor & Illustrator
2023 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication juried by North Branch Curatorial, Artist
2022 North Branch Literary & Fine Arts Journal, annual publication juried by North Branch Curatorial, Artist
2017 Gift of Love, annual publication juried by LACHSA Alumni, Artist
2017 SWEETS Zine, monthly zine by LACHSA Zine Club, Artist
2016 DREAMS Zine, monthly zine by LACHSA Zine Club, Artist
2016 Gift of Love, annual publication juried by Visual Arts Department Chair, Artist
2015 Gift of Love, annual publication juried by Visual Arts Department Chair, Artist
Education
2021-2025 Bachelor of Arts Curatorial Studies, North Park University
2023-2025 Certificate in Nonprofit Arts Management, North Park University
2017 Certificate of Completion, Bridging to Chemistry for Conservation Course, South African Institute for Heritage Science and Cons.
2015 Printmaking & Film Photography Major, Summer Intensive, California State Summer School for the Arts
2013-2017 High School Diploma, Visual Arts, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
2023-2025 Certificate in Nonprofit Arts Management, North Park University
2017 Certificate of Completion, Bridging to Chemistry for Conservation Course, South African Institute for Heritage Science and Cons.
2015 Printmaking & Film Photography Major, Summer Intensive, California State Summer School for the Arts
2013-2017 High School Diploma, Visual Arts, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
Experience
November 2023-Present
Student Committee Member, The Renaissance Society at The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
August 2023-Present
Gallery Assistant, Carlson Tower Gallery at North Park University, Chicago, IL.
March 2023-Present
Installation and Exhibitions, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL.
August- April 2025
Editorial and Curatorial Staff, North Branch Literary and Fine Arts Journal, Chicago, IL
December 2024-March 2025
Gemstone Cataloger, VirtuGem, Chicago, IL.
November 2024-March 2025
STEAM Innovations Virtual Exchange Program, implemented by World Learning and supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) administered by the Aspen Institute. USA, Algeria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
February 2024, February 2025
Student Representative and Volunteer Docent, University Partners Fest at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
January 2024 - May 2024
Costume and Scenic Design (Production Assistant), Limited run of "YEAST NATION" at the Den Theatre through North Park University, Chicago, IL.
August 2023-May 2024
Editorial and Graphic Design Staff, Vista Magazine, Chicago, IL
August 2022-March 2023
Gallery Intern, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
June-November 2017
Art & Heritage Conservation Intern, South African Institute for Heritage Science and Conservation, Twee Riviere, EC, South Africa
January-June 2019
Docu-series Production Assistant, Nearlander Docs, Chicago, IL
September 2016-July 2017
Founding Member, Hathaway Sycamores Youth Leadership Program, Los Angeles, CA
January 2016
Documentary Intern, Autism Live episode, Dr. Temple Grandin visits and speaks at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Student Committee Member, The Renaissance Society at The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
August 2023-Present
Gallery Assistant, Carlson Tower Gallery at North Park University, Chicago, IL.
March 2023-Present
Installation and Exhibitions, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL.
August- April 2025
Editorial and Curatorial Staff, North Branch Literary and Fine Arts Journal, Chicago, IL
December 2024-March 2025
Gemstone Cataloger, VirtuGem, Chicago, IL.
November 2024-March 2025
STEAM Innovations Virtual Exchange Program, implemented by World Learning and supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) administered by the Aspen Institute. USA, Algeria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
February 2024, February 2025
Student Representative and Volunteer Docent, University Partners Fest at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
January 2024 - May 2024
Costume and Scenic Design (Production Assistant), Limited run of "YEAST NATION" at the Den Theatre through North Park University, Chicago, IL.
August 2023-May 2024
Editorial and Graphic Design Staff, Vista Magazine, Chicago, IL
August 2022-March 2023
Gallery Intern, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
June-November 2017
Art & Heritage Conservation Intern, South African Institute for Heritage Science and Conservation, Twee Riviere, EC, South Africa
January-June 2019
Docu-series Production Assistant, Nearlander Docs, Chicago, IL
September 2016-July 2017
Founding Member, Hathaway Sycamores Youth Leadership Program, Los Angeles, CA
January 2016
Documentary Intern, Autism Live episode, Dr. Temple Grandin visits and speaks at NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
