Bruce Hanson
My current work explores themes of addiction, trauma, and recovery through the use of AI-generated content and augmented reality, transcending traditional artistic practices with tools of the future.
Humor, warmth, curiosity, and a deep awareness of the human condition permeate my pieces, inviting viewers into a shared subjective space. The work is often ephemeral, existing only within specific spatial, temporal, and cultural contexts. My hope is to provide encounters that deeply resonate in our souls.
Bruce Hanson holds an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. He lives on Whidbey Island, Washington.
The Langley Mail War of 1904
A story of petty jealousy that unfolded at 101 Anthes Avenue in the town of Langley, Washington.
This story was told in a video projection on the wall of the Rob Schouten Gallery, the current tenant of the site.
Here's a clip of the actual projection (sped up 3x) on the wall of the Gallery from the adjacent Sculpture Garden.
I also created an augmented reality version, which makes it appear that you're a voyeur watching the drama unfold through a window.
To view it, scan the QR code and follow the directions.
Projects Involving Addiction, Recovery, and Drug Policy
Recovery Capitalist
A card game about recovery from addiction. The game is under development; these are prototype cards.
People of Recovery
This is an augmented reality (AR) portrait project focused on people in recovery from a substance use disorder. AR, in this project, uses a smartphone to enhance and add meaning to ordinary images.
The images will be created based on the lived experiences of people in recovery. Over the next year, I will be interviewing people and creating AR portraits.
A video of four portrait prototypes.
My plan is to exhibit the AR portraits in non-profit galleries, recovery community organizations, hospitals, addiction treatment centers, or virtual galleries. This is not a commercial project and nothing will be up for sale. Images and names of the people I interview will be anonymized.
Try the AR experience with this demo:
Use your smartphone camera to scan the QR code below, then follow the directions. A smartphone made in the last three years is best. Use the Safari browser on an iPhone -- on Android use either Chrome or Firefox.
Diana
Selected video projections from the past twenty years.
Float
On December 3, 2022 I presented an ethereal video projection at the Rob Schouten Gallery Sculpture Garden in Langley, Washington. The piece is titled Float to suggest buoyancy and lightness, color and enchantment.
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch - Langley Art Walk - November 2021
Bellevue Art Museum I
Who defines the culture of a place?
Bellevue Art Museum II
Co-opt or be co-opted.
Contact Me
Thank you!
