About me

I am Anthony Adrian Acker, a contemporary artist and photographer based in Portland, Oregon. My artistic journey is marked by provocative and often dark imagery, delving into themes such as intimacy, mortality, and politics. Across a spectrum of mediums, including photography, graphic design, painting, and mixed media, I express my artistic vision.

Following a six-year career at USPS, a shoulder injury, and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned into a new chapter of my life. Departing from the postal service, I redirected my focus towards photography as a tool for activism and private journalism. This shift took me to the heart of critical events, documenting the fervor and resilience of the anti-police brutality protests and Black Lives Matter marches in 2020. As a private journalist armed with my camera, I bore witness to the powerful movements demanding justice and equality. In 2021, I turned my lens towards the tragic police shooting of Robert Delgado, capturing the raw emotions and calls for accountability. Continuing my commitment to visual storytelling, 2022 saw me documenting the protests surrounding the monumental Roe v Wade decision, highlighting the complex and nuanced discussions surrounding reproductive rights. Through my photography, I strive to offer a poignant visual commentary on the societal issues that shape our world, advocating for change and ensuring that these crucial narratives are not forgotten. 

Beyond these specific events, much of my camera time has been devoted to documenting the rising homelessness crisis in Portland. I aim to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of this crisis, impacting not only drug-addicted and traumatized individuals but also the victims of wildfires, inflation, job loss, COVID, and rising rents. Through my lens, I strive to capture the human stories behind the statistics, fostering empathy and understanding for those grappling with the harsh realities of homelessness in our community. My photography serves as a powerful tool to illuminate the interconnected issues that demand attention and inspire collective action for positive change. 

My passion for art ignited in my early years while I grew up in Long Beach, California, and I pursued it throughout my teenage years. In 2003, I made the pivotal move from Long Beach to Portland, where I continued to develop my artistic practice. However, life threw me a curveball, and in 2011, I had to drop out of school due to homelessness. Despite this setback, I've since overcome significant challenges and returned to pursue my passion as a full-time student in the photography program at Mt Hood Community College.

My journey has been marked by resilience, and after being back in school for a full year, I am thriving academically. Alongside my commitment to education, I've also embarked on a new role as a staff writer and photojournalist for The Advocate, the school paper. This opportunity allows me to blend my artistic perspective with journalistic storytelling, contributing to the vibrant media landscape within the college community.

Beyond the lens, my life story has been shaped by overcoming obstacles tied to ADHD and enduring childhood trauma. I've faced great losses throughout my life, having been abandoned by my parents and raised in challenging circumstances by an abusive grandmother. Despite these hardships, my determination fuels both my artistic pursuits and my academic journey.

In addition to my photography, I've ventured into animation and film production, creating animations and commercials for Frogslap. I've also had the honor of photographing numerous musicians, including Cancerslug, Blitzkid, The Reverend Horton Heat, and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. I've also contributed graphic design work for the legendary industrial group PIG's 2006 All Hamerican Pig Tour and for the punk band The Nerve Scheme. 

In essence, my body of work, characterized by its bold and provocative style, fearlessly explores various societal issues. My art is not just a reflection of my creative vision but a testament to the strength and resilience that define my journey.