Kayla Bauer

Kayla Bauer’s art practice works with photography, text, and archives to examine nostalgia, memory, and the multiplicity of histories. Currently she is pursuing a Special Committee PhD: Practice Based Research at UW Madison. Broadly interested in the art of wandering and examinations of the urban, she is studying San Francisco and the effects of urban renewal policies on its cultural landscapes. Overlapping research interests include kitsch aesthetics, ethnic communities such as Chinatowns, and architectural history. 

What energizes you as you consider the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

As a lifelong Wisconsinite I’ve witnessed the disinvestment of the arts, particularly in higher education. However, I’ve also seen the perseverance and continued growth of multiple creative opportunities for artists and the public. I think of the most recent Zine Festival hosted at the Dane County Public Library. The community and variety of participants made it an inspiring event to be a part of.