Maren Hassinger, the 78-year-old artist known for her sculptural work with steel and wire rope, discusses her upcoming retrospective at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, opening in June. In an interview, she reflects on her early rejection from a dance major at Bennington College, which led her to sculpture under the mentorship of Isaac Witkin, and her long collaboration with fellow artist Senga Nengudi since the 1970s. She also talks about her current studio practice, creating large-scale vessels, and her move from Los Angeles to New York to sell her work.
This retrospective is significant as it is the largest of Hassinger's career, highlighting her pioneering use of industrial materials like steel and wire rope to explore movement, nature, and the body. Her work bridges sculpture and dance, challenging traditional boundaries in visual art. The article also underscores the challenges faced by artists of color in the art market and the importance of institutional recognition, as Hassinger's career spans decades of underrepresentation before gaining major museum attention.