American, b. 1962
Andrew Raftery (b. 1962 Goldsboro, NC) is an artist whose work explores both observational and autographic narratives of contemporary American life. His artistic practice rests upon a deep expertise and appreciation for the antique medium of engraving, and his precise and labor-intensive works demonstrate the enduring relevance—and efficiency—of this medium’s application on contemporary subjects to disseminate images that are universally accessible. Raftery pools his expansive knowledge and care into his works to create intimate and inventive portraits of his 21st century life using techniques that date back to the 15th century, thus paying homage to the vast history of printmaking in an updated, modern setting. His practice is simultaneously heavily research-based as a scholar and collector, as well as both personal and objective: his work constitutes a constant practice of self-reflection within his contemporary society.
Raftery received his BFA from Boston University in 1984 and his MFA from Yale University in 1988. He has been an Associate Professor in the painting and printmaking departments at the Rhode Island School of Design since 1991. Raftery lives and works in Providence, RI.
He has earned many awards, including the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in 2008, the John R. Frazier Award for excellence in teaching from RISD in 2007, the Boston University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Award in 2006, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award in 2003 and the Fritz Eichenberg Fellowship in Printmaking, Narrative Engraving Project from the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts in 2001.
Raftery received his BFA from Boston University in 1984 and his MFA from Yale University in 1988. He has been an Associate Professor in the painting and printmaking departments at the Rhode Island School of Design since 1991. Raftery lives and works in Providence, RI.
He has earned many awards, including the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship in 2008, the John R. Frazier Award for excellence in teaching from RISD in 2007, the Boston University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Award in 2006, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Award in 2003 and the Fritz Eichenberg Fellowship in Printmaking, Narrative Engraving Project from the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts in 2001.
