Where is the line between photography and performance? What is the difference between a self portrait and a document?
Chase M. Munsey is a photographer and sculptor working closely with analogue practices, emphasizing the space between permanence and memory. Munsey uses photography as self-exploration, looking outwardly-in, trying to find a familiarity in all subjects. The first five bodies of work consist of over ten-thousand negatives, exploring the life and light that subsists inside great cities. Munsey holds a BFA of photography & BA of art history from Western Washington University; and is currently exhibiting new work in Northwest galleries. Interested in the visible self and the document, questioning the dynamicity of identity and the ways in which it can be preserved.
Interested in what takes place at the intersection of physical experience, memory, and materiality.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
BA in Art History, Spring 2026
BFA in Studio Arts, Spring 2025
BFA Capstone Project: Picturing Phenomenology: Internal Gestures
BA Capstone Project: Mark Tobey ‘The Bathers’ MONA Wall Text
Tacoma Community College, Tacoma, WA
Associates of Arts (Honors), 2020
Selected Exhibitions
2026
SPE, The Temple Bar, Bellingham, WA (Group Photography Exhibition)
2025
Stomping Grounds, It's About Time Cultural Arts Center, Ferndale, WA (Group, Photography)
Monochromatic, Voxel Fine Art Gallery, Bellingham, WA (Group, Photography)
In Good Company, Western Gallery, Western Washington University (WWU) (Group, Photography & Sculpture)
BFA: A Glimpse, Viking Union Gallery, WWU (Group, Photography)
Night, Architecture, Black Box Gallery PDX, Portland, OR (Juried Group, Photography)
Abstract Calling, Grey Cube Gallery (Juried Group, Photography)
Bruit, Temple Bar, Bellingham, WA (Solo, Photography)
Retrospective, B-Gallery, WWU (Group, Photography)
2024
Documenting Experience,B-Gallery, WWU (Solo, Photography)
Engagement with a Ladder A Performance on Confusion, Performance Art Showcase, Western
Washington University (Solo, Performance)
Performing Philosophy: Feminisms, The Body, The Private Life & The
Image: Mickey Mann,Synapse Gallery, Bellingham, WA (Collaborative, Performance)
Resistance, Viking Union Gallery, WWU (Group, Photography)
Shelter, Art Annex, WWU (Group, Sculpture)
On Color, Viking Union Gallery, WWU (Group, Photography)
Stomp Box, C-Gallery, WWU (Group, Public Broadcast)
Plastic Landscapes, B-Gallery, WWU (Group, Photography)
Big Heads, Fine Arts Department Showcases, WWU (Group, Photography)
2023
What to Wear When Ordering a Drink, Performance Art Showcase, WWU (Screening)
Skin & Skeleton, The Omni Gallery, WWU (Group, Sculpture)
Independent Curation
Francis X. Donovan, The Temple Bar, Bellingham, WA (Solo Painter Exhibition)
SPE, The Temple Bar, Bellingham, WA (Group Photography Exhibition)
Publication & Public Presentation
2026
Mark Tobey, Interpretive Wall Text, MONA (museum of northwest art), La Conner, WA (publication)
Maude Liotta, Interpretive Wall Text, Western Gallery, Western Washington University (publication)
2025
Artist Up-Close Feature, Artist Up-Close Magazine, Amsterdam, NL (Sculpture Publication)
Mark Hunter and the Sound of Innovation, Salish Current, Bellingham, WA (Photography Publication)
2024
Rainier, A Beer Odyssey, Salish Current, Bellingham, WA (Photography Publication)
Photography in Plain Sight, Scholars Week, WWU (Lecture Series)
‘Palm Trees Burn Too Without Wind’, Jeopardy Magazine, Bellingham, WA (Writing Publication)
Stomp Box Concert, KUGS 89.3 Broadcast, Douglas Underground Theatre (Public Performance)
Service
2026
Juror of Art Drop Mini Award, WWU
2025
Photographer, 2025 BFA Catalogue, WWU
Founding Member, Society for Photographic Education (SPE), NW Chapter
2024
Board Member, Art Drop Mini, WWU
Teaching Assistant, Photography for Non Majors, WWU
Awards
2025
Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunities Grant, WWU (750$)
2024
Whatcom Art Guild Scholarship, WWU ($1000)
Art and Photography Scholarship, WWU ($500)
Portfolio Evaluations
Paris College of Art San Francisco Academy of Art Western Washington University
241 boulevard Pereire 79 New Montgomery St. 516 High St, Bellingham, WA
75017 Paris France San Francisco, CA 94105 98225
T+33 1 45 77 39 66 1 (800) 544-2787 (360) 650-3000
admissions@paris.edu artinfo@wwu.edu
References
Garth Amundson Pierre Gour Ryan Kelly Julia Sapin Jimena Berzal
Professor of Photography Instructor of Painting Professor of Ceramics Professor of Art History Professor of Art History
BFA Board Member BFA Chair 2025 BFA Chair 2025 BA Art History Committee BA Art History Committee
amundsg@wwu.edu gourp@wwu.edu kellyr5@wwu.edu sapinj@wwu.edu berzalj@wwu.edu