The Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA) has opened 'Maren Hassinger: Living Moving Growing,' a comprehensive retrospective of the American artist's 50-year career. The exhibition recreates her site-specific sculptures and documents her performances, featuring works like 'Untitled Rope,' 'Sign of the Times,' and 'Love (Pyramid),' which transform everyday materials such as rope, newspaper, and plastic bags through simple actions like tying knots and blowing breath. The show includes participatory elements, with workshops allowing visitors to contribute to the evolving sculpture 'Sign of the Times.'
The retrospective matters because it highlights Hassinger's unique ability to elevate mundane, repetitive gestures into profound sculptural experiences that foster connection and care. By focusing on knots and breath—universal, often overlooked actions—Hassinger challenges viewers to see the world anew and emphasizes shared humanity. The exhibition also underscores the importance of institutional support for artists who blur the line between performance, sculpture, and community engagement, offering a model for how museums can involve audiences in the creative process.