Anthony Coplan

Active Duty ARMY: 2006-2010 (OIF 2008-2009)

AA: 2013 Bergen Community College

BFA: 2016 Montclair State University

MFA: 2019 Tyle School of Art & Architecture, Temple University

I was a studio art teacher at Temple University from 2019-2023, during which time I designed and developed a graffiti course. I've made murals, exhibited work nationally and internationally but it all comes from a desire to connect and help others.

Within my work I create a patchwork of memories as images. These collected and connected memories draw on scattered experiences throughout my childhood, adolescence and early adulthood which was spent in the United States Army. They are now brought together on a single surface. I am creating this unification between time and place by depicting what I understand to be a deep relationship between my various interactions with masculinity. Often these are reoccurring and situationally similar despite possibly spanning, up to, a decade apart. The compositions express a carefully constructed chaos. To provide something for a viewer’s quick look and long gaze I play with proportion and perspective as well as hidden images. While in Rome my process became influenced by, and even adopted, what I was observing and learning about the old masters’ works. Such methods as embracing a stylization that distorted and flatten the image, preparatory sketching as well as reinforcing an appreciation of form, symbolism and thoroughness as a sort of homage. I combine this approach with 21st century imagery.

NJ