Tony Brickner is an artist and photographer born, raised, and based in Newburgh, NY, located in the Hudson Valley region. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from SUNY New Paltz in 2012.
Much of his personal work is dedicated to exploring the liminality between the real and the surreal. Themes investigated are often dug up from his life experiences, taking his innermost feelings, emotions, and beliefs, and presenting them in an oblique way. The work is never fully grounded, things are never as they seem, and for every answer, there is always more than one question. The theme of the liminal carries over into other aspects of Tony’s work. In the day to day documentation of his life, fleeting moments are captured. Some staged, some planned, all from his point of view.
“Emulsion is my way of bringing all areas and mediums of my personal work together. I use a broad range of traditional and modern photographic techniques to transform my ideas into images. While there its a vastness to the ideas and mediums present, the connecting thread is the person looking through the viewfinder."
In his event work, Tony is often noted for being a fly on the wall, having a quiet presence. He’s able to weave in, out, and throughout the event space, capturing moments with little to no interruption.
Always seeking to inspire, Tony has found ways to spread his knowledge within his community. As an art educator for The Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh and the 21st Century Afterschool Academy for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, he's constantly thinking of new ways to get kids of all ages and skill levels to step outside of their comfort zones and step into their creativity.
When his face isn't partially obstructed by a camera, he can usually be found on one of the many hiking trails in the Hudson Valley, grabbing a brew, or dancing the night away.
Exhibitions
2021
Barnwood Spring 2021, Barnwood, Ulster Park, NY
Dusk To Dawn, DontTakePictures, Online Exhibition
2020
Cryptic Chill Sesh, Cryptic Gallery, Poughkeepsie, NY
A Show of Hands, DontTakePictures, Online Exibition
2019
Time Lapse, Cryptic Gallery, Kingston NY
Art for the Holidays, ARTBAR, Kingston NY
2018
Art for the Holidays, ArtBar Gallery, Kingston, NY
2017
Art for the Holidays, ArtBar Gallery, Kingston, NY
Winter Gala: Black & White, Teran Studio, Newburgh, NY
2016
Art for the Holidays, ArtBar Gallery, Kingston, NY
Maker Moxie: The Impact of the Craft School Experience, Peter’s Valley School of Craft, Layton, NJ
Circle Dot Sphere, ArtBar Gallery, Kingston NY
Vibes, Teran Studio, Newburgh, NY
Small Works, Catalyst Gallery, Beacon, NY
2015
Art for the Holidays, ArtBar Gallery, Kingston, NY
Small Works, Catalyst Gallery, Beacon, NY
Show & Tell, Northlight Gallery, Penland, NC
2014
Newburgh Illuminated Festival, Lightbulb Project, Newburgh Vintage Emporium, Newburgh, NY
Windows on Main Street, Dream In Plastic, Beacon, NY
Art for the Holidays, ArtBar Gallery, Kingston, NY
2013
It Is What It Is, Dia Staff Show, 331 Main Gallery, Beacon, NY
2012
As They Unfold, Thesis Exhibition, Samuely Dorsky Museum of Art, New Paltz, NY
Open Studios, Old Library, New Paltz, NY
Sustainable World: Bamako/New York, Calumet Gallery, New York, NY
Photography at New Paltz, Sojourner Truth Library, New Paltz, NY
Dia Staff Show, Marion Royael Gallery, Beacon, NY
2011
Open Studios, Old Library, New Paltz, NY
Mali Photography Exchange, Maison Africaine de la Photographie, Complexe de la Bibliotheque, Mali, West Africa
Illuminate/Letters From Home: The Mali Exchange, The Shirt Factory, Kingston, NY
Sight Insight, Sojourner Truth Library, New Paltz, NY
2010
Unframed Artists Gallery, New Paltz, NY
Open Studios, Old Library, New Paltz, NY
Mid-Hudson Student Art Collective, Unframed Artist Gallery, New Paltz, NY
2009
Foundations Exhibition, Smiley Arts Building, New Paltz, NY
2007
Student Photography Show, Mill Street Loft, Poughkeepsie, NY