Biography
Brian Testa (B. 1997-) is a New York-based, American Artist Educator. Testa was born in Queens, New York. He is recognized for his community service and large oil-based monotypes. Testa was awarded special congressional recognition in 2014. Brian was also recognized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for his "Court of Honor" on earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 2014. In 2017 he received recognition for his contributions to the 4th R-Reimagine Project from Creative Opportunities Promoting Equality NYC, The New York City Art Teachers Association, United Federations of Teachers with Materials for the Arts. In 2019 Testa was awarded the Art and Design Education Merit Award for outstanding creative work in community arts.
He currently lives on Long Island, where he maintains an active studio and teaching practice. Testa is enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Florida, where he is pursuing his master's in Art Education. Testa is certified as a New York State Visual Arts Teacher and a Citizen Public Health Leader. Testa earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art & Design Education, with a focus on S.T.E.A.M. from Adelphi University in 2019. He also received his Associate of Arts in Art Studies from Nassau Community College in 2017.
His original artwork can be found in private collections internationally, digitally as NFTs, and as replicas on retail products. His work is informed and inspired by his experiences, teaching practice, and community art-making. In addition to his large oil-based monotypes, his body of work includes Mixed Reality and Plein Air Paintings. Mixed Reality (XR) paintings explore the intersection between the digital world and the real world. The viewer can immerse themselves into this new reality by combining traditional art forms with digital techniques. The result is a merging of three perspectives, that of the viewer, that of the artist, and that of the computer. His Plein air paintings evoke a deep fascination, respect, and reverence of water.
In addition to creating work as a solo artist, Testa is a teaching artist for ArtsAction Group, an international community-based collective committed to facilitating arts initiatives with children and youth in conflict-affected environments. He is also an Art/STEAM Educator for the Liberty Partnership Grant and STEP Program at Adelphi University. By exploring problem-solving-creativity, students improve their abilities to achieve higher learning standards. Testa is the Founder of (LIFEC) Long Islanders For Environmental Change, a grassroots collective committed to environmental activism, policy change, and community outreach. LIFEC has participated in several peaceful demonstrations, beginning in 2014 with the People's Climate March; the largest climate march in history.
Exhibitions –MMXXII
The Best of the Best
Honey, I Shrunk the Art
Honey, I Shrunk the Art
Group Exhibition
Las Laguna Art Gallery,
Laguna Beach, California
May 5 – May 28, 2022
Honey, I Shrunk the Art
Honey, I Shrunk the Art
Honey, I Shrunk the Art
Group Exhibition,
Darcy Gallery, The Firefly Artists, Northport, New York
April 30 – May 29, 2022
65th Annual – Members'
Honey, I Shrunk the Art
125th Anniversary – Alumni
Group Exhibition,
Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery,
Art League of Long Island,
Dix Hills, New York
March 19 – April 8, 2022
125th Anniversary – Alumni
125th Anniversary – Alumni
125th Anniversary – Alumni
Group Exhibition,
PAC Gallery, Adelphi University,
Garden City, New York
March 14 – April 9, 2022
Emotions – 2021
125th Anniversary – Alumni
Emotions – 2021
Group Exhibition,
Biafarin Online Exhibition
Gallerium, Canada
January 15 – February 28, 2022
Six By Six
125th Anniversary – Alumni
Emotions – 2021
Group Exhibition,
Grants Pass Museum of Art,
Grants Pass, Oregon
January 18 – February 19, 2022