Aster Reem David (b. 1988, Pakistan) [she/he/they] is an interdisciplinary artist from the UK. Their practice is guided by the theoretical frameworks of queer ecology and ecological thought, exploring the complex relationships between the human and more-than-human worlds through queer lens and experience. Aster employs experimental and hybrid modes of installation, sculpture, printmaking, and alternative photography to create immersive environments that challenge conventional understandings of the natural world.

Aster received a BA in Photographic Arts from the University of Westminster, London and holds a Masters in Art & Ecology from the Burren College of Art, Ireland. Their project ‘Salt and Light’ was published in ‘Disturbed Ecologies: Photography, Geopolitics, and the Northern Landscape in the Era of Environmental Crisis’. They also exhibited their graduate work in Cork and Galway in 2023.

Aster is currently based in rural Ireland, where they continue to co-create and explore their queerness and push the boundaries of their practice through reflection, experiment and collaboration with the more-than-human world.

Education

2022   MA in Art & Ecology, Burren College of Art, Ireland
2016    BA (Hons) Photography, University of Westminster, London (First Class Honours)
2014    Diploma in Photography, City of Westminster College, London (Distinction)
2011     Film & Darkroom Photography, Central Saint Martins, London

Exhibitions

2023    Build, Balance, 126 Gallery, Galway, Ireland [group]
2023    Meant to Fade, Laneway Gallery, Cork City, Ireland [group]

2022    (is)land, Burren College of Art, Ireland [group]
2018    Salt and Light: a visual discourse on climate change, Brighton [solo]
2016    Labyrinth, Free Range Shows, Old Truman Brewery, London [group]
2014    Morph, Off The Wall, The Terrace 9th Annual Open, Terrace Gallery, London [group]
2014    Morph, Free Range Shows, Old Truman Brewery, London [group]
2014    Morph, no barking art Biennale 'Material World II', Espacio Gallery, London [group]

Books & Publications

2024     “Sowing Solidarity” for Airmid’s Journal ‘Aiteach [Queerness]’ edition (print)
2023     Meant to Fade, publication in conjunction with exhibition (print)
2023     Disturbed Ecologies: Photography, Geopolitics, and the Northern Landscape in the Era of Environmental Crisis (print)
2022    Salt and Light photozine, Another Place Press (print)
2020    Salt and Light, Splash & Grab (print)
2020    Let The River Flow issue 01 (print)
2020    31 Days in Transit, Black River issue 01 (digital)
2020    Liquid Memories, Soft Lightning volume 01 (print)
2015    Silent Chaos, No Barking Art magazine (print)
2014    Emma McGuire editorial feature, No Barking Art magazine (print)
2014    Female Photographers Now, No Barking Art magazine (print)

Awards & Nominations

2023     RDS Visual Art Award - longlisted for 2023 Royal Dublin Society visual art award

2020    THELITLIST by authority collective - shortlisted for 2020 list of 30 photographers to watch, exhibit and hire

Artist Talks & Guest Lectures

2023    Artist Talk, Burren College of Art, Ireland
2022    Guest Lecture, Burren College of Art, Ireland
2022    A Woman Walks Alone at Night, With a Camera, in conversation with Ruby Wallis & Phillina Sun, Ireland
2021    Guest Lecture, University of the Arts London
2020   The Sustainable Darkroom residency at Guest Projects in collaboration with London Alternative Photography Collective

Workshops

2022    Anthotype/Alternative Photography, Burren College of Art, Ireland

Online Features & Interviews

2021     Unveild
2021     The Daring
2020    The Daring (essay)
2020    Splash & Grab
2020    Hashtag Photography Magazine
2020    Landartcollective
2020    Black River
2019     Softlightningstudio
2019     tootiredproject featured work on 'depression and mental health'
2016     The Pupil Sphere