Maren Hassinger's art is a testament to the power of simplicity and the magic that can be found in everyday actions. For over five decades, this American artist has been creating captivating site-specific sculptures that challenge our perceptions and invite us to engage with the world in new and profound ways. Her work, on display at the Berkeley Art Museum until November 29th, is a testament to the transformative potential of art and the joy that can be found in the most mundane tasks.
What makes Hassinger's art so compelling is her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. She does this by focusing on the simplest of actions, such as tying a square knot, twisting metal into organic shapes, or blowing breath into a plastic bag. These actions, when viewed through Hassinger's lens, become powerful tools for connection, care, and community building.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Hassinger's work is her use of knots. Knots are ubiquitous in our lives, from tying shoelaces to securing cargo on ships. However, Hassinger elevates this everyday practice to a sculptural level, creating pieces like 'Untitled Rope' and 'Sign of the Times'. In these works, she uses industrial-grade rope and strips of newspaper to create massive, intricate knots that hang from gallery walls. The process of tying these knots becomes a performance, inviting viewers to imagine themselves joining in, thus becoming part of the artwork itself.
Hassinger's use of knots is not just about the physical act of tying. It's about the repetition and the shift in scale. As the curator Anthony Graham explains, Hassinger zeroes in on things that become invisible to us in their repetition, yet are essential building blocks of our shared lives. By tying knots, she creates a sense of unity and connection, drawing attention to the small gestures and movements that are often overlooked.
One of the most poignant examples of Hassinger's work is 'Love (Pyramid)'. In this piece, she fills numerous neon pink plastic shopping bags with her own breath and a tiny love note, then pins them to the gallery wall. The act of breathing and the simple love note become a powerful symbol of humanity and connection. The piece also requires ongoing care and interaction, bringing museum staff into Hassinger's practices of the quotidian. As Graham notes, this encourages a sense of community and care, breaking down hierarchies and power structures that are often embedded in art museums.
Hassinger's work also delves into the politics of race and identity. Video pieces like 'Birthright' and 'Daily Mask' foreground these issues, exploring her family history and the complexities of identity. As a Black female creator, Hassinger faced challenges finding her place in the art world, but she found community with other Black avant-garde artists, supporting each other at a time when few others would. Her career-spanning retrospective at the BAMPFA is a major moment, arriving at a time when her simplicity and ecstasy are sorely needed.
In my opinion, what makes Hassinger's work so compelling is her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. She does this by focusing on the simplest of actions and elevating them to a sculptural level. Her use of knots, breathing, and repetition becomes a means of reaching out to others, building connection, and creating a caring world. As Graham hopes, her show will help people slow down and pay closer attention to the world around them, seeing the small gestures and movements that are full of meaning. It's a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for connection, care, and community building, and that the simplest of actions can have profound implications.
