Born in the United States, Spencer Finch pursued an academic background in comparative literature at Hamilton College before earning an M.F.A. in sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1989. His practice gained significant institutional recognition early on, marked by a major retrospective at MASS MoCA in 2008.

Finch’s work is characterized by a rigorous, empirical approach to capturing sensory experiences, often translating light and color into precise installations, drawings, and photographs. His projects frequently explore the intersection of memory, science, and the physical environment, using light as both a medium and a subject of inquiry.

Currently based in Brooklyn, New York, Finch continues to exhibit internationally. Recent institutional recognition includes his inclusion in the 2026 group exhibition 30% Dandelion at Kunsthaus Graz, where his contributions further examine themes of ecological symbiosis and the perception of the natural world.