Artist's 50-Year Journey: Motion in Sculpture

Artist Maren Hassinger, a dynamic force in the art world for over five decades, is the subject of a comprehensive retrospective titled "Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing." This exhibition, her largest to date, delves into her unique practice, which seamlessly merges dance with sculpture. Hassinger's art is characterized by its inherent sense of motion and the transformative quality of her chosen materials, such as industrial wire rope and redwood branches.

The retrospective showcases a wide array of her work, including early wall sculptures from the 1970s, expansive installations resembling natural elements, and impactful performance videos. Notably, the exhibition also features a new iteration of her 2008 installation, "Wrenching News," composed of newspaper strips, which will grow throughout the show's duration. Hassinger's approach transforms everyday materials, imbuing them with life and a sense of growth, often drawing inspiration from her surroundings and social issues.

Organized by the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, the exhibition aims to highlight Hassinger's significant contributions, distinguishing her from collaborators in the influential 1970s performance group Studio Z. Her career began with aspirations in dance, but she found her true artistic voice in sculpture, mastering the ability to make rigid materials appear fluid and alive. Recent recognition, including the Getty's acquisition of her archives in 2023, underscores her enduring impact.