Mark Dion was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1961.
He received a BFA (1986) and an honorary doctorate (2003) from the University of Hartford, School of Art, Connecticut. He also has honorary doctorates from The Wagner Free Institute of Science and University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
Dion’s work examines the ways in which dominant ideologies and public institutions shape our understanding of history, knowledge, and the natural world. “The job of the artist,” he says, “is to go against the grain of dominant culture, to challenge perception and convention.” Appropriating archaeological, museum display, field biological and other scientific methods of collecting, ordering, and exhibiting objects, Dion creates works that question the distinctions between “objective” (“rational”) scientific methods and “subjective” (“irrational”) influences.
The artist’s spectacular and often fantastical curiosity cabinets, modeled on Wunderkabinetts of the sixteenth century, exalt atypical orderings of objects and specimens. By locating the roots of environmental politics and public policy in the construction of knowledge about nature, Mark Dion questions the authoritative role of the scientific voice in contemporary society, by tracking how ideology and pseudoscience creep into scientific discourse.
He has received numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship (2019). Dion has had major exhibitions at Miami Art Museum (2006); the Museum of Modern Art, New York (2004); the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston (2017); and Tate Gallery, London (1999).
He is the co-founder of Mildred's Lane, an innovative visual art education and residency program in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania.
Dion lives with his wife and frequent collaborator Dana Sherwood in Copake, New York and works world wide.
Mark Dion is represented by Tanya Bonakdar Gallery.
Mrs. Christopher’s House is open by appointment to the public for free.
Visiting the Art Houses
Visits to the art houses are available by appointment only and can be scheduled individually.
Please be aware that no shows or late arrivals can disrupt the experience for other visitors. Your punctuality is greatly appreciated. If you anticipate any delay or need to reschedule, please call (412) 273-0919.
There is no cost associated with visiting the Art Houses, and we consider your visit as that of an honored guest in a private home. It's important to note that children under the age of 15 are not permitted into the installations.
Ample street parking is usually available along Rialto St., Tours St., or Ley St. Additionally, for those utilizing public transportation, PAT Bus Route #4 (Troy Hill) conveniently stops in the center, providing a 2-minute walk to any of the houses.
Troy Hill Art Houses are open by appointment to the public for free.