Scribbled Lives Week 8—Eva Hesse

The life and work of American artist Eva Hesse (1936-1970) is this week’s topic.

Known for her sculptures, Eva Hesse used industrial materials that were accessible (including latex, resin, fiberglass, and rope) to create eccentric pieces. Multiple forms of similar shapes and sizes were organized in grid structures or clusters. Her work was associated with postminimal art which differed notably from minimalism by its whimsy; handmade serial repetition; and its subtle, but unmistakable, eroticism. Her preference for using materials close at hand had the unintended consequence of impermanence; the unfortunate result is that some of her structures are deteriorating—perhaps a statement in itself!

Based on Hesse’s style, I’ve created a small installation using found materials. Based on 21st century “minimalism”, these studio materials were destined to be recycled, but have been transformed into a tribute to the artist, a pioneer of 1960’s postminimalism who sculpted the fluid contours of nature and the female body.

The text is from the Song of Solomon—a conversation of longing and desire between lovers. These practice sheets became scrolls—rolled and clustered in repetitive groups, tied to cinch at the waist, and housed in glass. Inspired by two of Hesse’s works highlighting circles and the human physique —Ringaround Arosie (1965) and Repetition 19 III (1968)—this installation is whimsically titled Recycled, EH?

Ingres, Arches Text Wove, walnut ink, nibs, pens, glass jars, and string.