Through the use of physical metaphor it is my intention to shed light on the frequent and mundane mishaps of an all too often complacent public consciousness. Themes that have remained somewhat consistent in my work include the influence of the corrupt over the unsuspecting, the hilarity and whimsical nature of the human psyche, and the function of the individual in relation to their culture or environment. Frequently I attempt to translate these themes or particular narratives with a perceivably naive or childlike use of allegorical symbolism in order to establish certain contradictions in subject that may lead the viewer to question the imagery even further. I choose printmaking due to its tactile nature and the accessibility of the multiple. The historical implications of printmaking and an interest in history in a broader sense often inform my work.


Having pursued the arts from a very early age, Andrew Kosten received a Bachelors degree in painting from Washington University in St. Louis in 2001 and a Masters degree in printmaking from the University of South Dakota in 2005. Andrew Kosten currently resides in Brookings, South Dakota where he operates Gum Pal Press. His work has been shown in national and international juried exhibitions and is featured in numerous public and private collections.