Maren Hassinger's art is a captivating exploration of the ordinary and the extraordinary. For over five decades, she has crafted site-specific sculptures that are both simple and profound, often through the most mundane actions: tying knots, twisting metal, and breathing into plastic bags. Her work, showcased in the exhibition 'Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing' at the Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA), is a testament to the transformative power of art and the beauty in everyday life. Hassinger's sculptures are not just about the materials she uses but also about the experiences and connections they evoke.
The exhibition is a comprehensive journey through Hassinger's career, featuring her most celebrated works and performances. One of the standout pieces is 'Untitled Rope', where four thick ropes are arranged in a macrame knot, tantalizingly on the verge of being pulled taut. This simple sculpture invites viewers to imagine the act of tying the knot together, suggesting a sense of unity and shared experience. The everyday nature of knots, as the curator Anthony Graham points out, makes them ideal for Hassinger's exploration of the essential building blocks of our lives.
'Sign of the Times' is another remarkable work, where strips of the New York Times are carefully twisted and tied together to form massive ropes that hang from a gallery wall. This piece not only showcases Hassinger's skill in manipulating materials but also serves as a commentary on the ephemeral nature of news and the passage of time. The act of tearing and knotting the newspaper strips becomes a metaphor for the fragility and transience of information in our fast-paced world.
Hassinger's work often involves a collaborative effort, bringing people together to create something meaningful. 'Love (Pyramid)' is a beautiful example of this, where the artist fills neon pink plastic shopping bags with her breath and a love note, then pins them to the wall. This piece not only requires ongoing care and interaction but also transforms consumerist trash into a source of wonder and humanity, drawing in onlookers and reminding us of the simple act of breathing that unites us all.
The exhibition also includes workshops where visitors can actively participate in creating Hassinger's sculptures. These workshops are more than just a hands-on experience; they are a way to break down hierarchies and power structures within art museums. By inviting everyday people into the creative process, Hassinger fosters a sense of togetherness and caring, challenging the traditional roles of curators, experts, and audiences.
Hassinger's video pieces, such as 'Birthright' and 'Daily Mask', delve into the politics of race and identity, offering a more intimate perspective on her work. These pieces, which document her family history and the exploration of her racial identity, showcase the personal and political dimensions of her art. As a Black female artist, Hassinger faced challenges in the 1970s, but she found a supportive community with other Black avant-garde artists, which helped her build her reputation and eventually land a position as the director of the Reinhardt School of Sculpture.
The retrospective at BAMPFA is a significant moment in Hassinger's career, arriving at a time when her simple yet profound practice is particularly relevant. As Graham emphasizes, Hassinger's work is rooted in caring and joy, and her intent is to open up spaces for sharing and connection. This feeling of togetherness is what Graham hopes will be infectious in his audiences, encouraging them to slow down and pay closer attention to the small gestures and materials that surround us, and to recognize the power of these simple actions when done together.
'Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing' is on display at the Berkeley Art Museum until November 29th, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of this extraordinary artist.
