Mia Westerlund Roosen: A Journey Through Materiality and Emotion in Sculpture

Multidisciplinary artist Mia Westerlund Roosen is currently featured in an exhibition at Nunu Fine Art in New York, showcasing her work that spans several decades. The exhibition includes pieces first displayed in 1982 at the Leo Castelli Gallery, alongside renowned artists such as Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol. Notable works include the monumental sculptures "Conical" and "Heat," both created in 1981, which evoke a visceral connection to geological forms and human fragility.

New York Observer

Westerlund Roosen's artistic journey began during the height of Minimalism, a movement characterized by its industrial and geometric aesthetics. In contrast to contemporaries like Donald Judd and Robert Morris, her work embraces organic forms and emotional depth. She articulates a desire to engage the senses directly, moving away from the rigid geometries that dominate Minimalist art.

New York Observer

Now in her 80s, Mia Westerlund Roosen continues to explore materiality in her work. She splits her time between a home near the Massachusetts border and a studio in New York City. Her artistic practice is marked by a commitment to experimentation and a preference for allowing her pieces to communicate their meanings rather than providing overt explanations.

New York Observer

Westerlund Roosen's creative process involves layering materials, akin to building a sculpture. She often begins with clay models before translating them into larger works. Her drawings, such as those in the "Gray Series I–V," serve as two-dimensional explorations of the materials used in her sculptures, capturing their physical properties with depth and nuance.

New York Observer

Westerlund Roosen has expressed a reluctance to over-explain her work, believing that excessive interpretation can diminish the mystery and poetry inherent in art. This perspective invites viewers to engage with her pieces on an emotional level rather than an intellectual one, fostering a more personal connection to the artwork.

New York Observer

Looking ahead, Westerlund Roosen plans to delve deeper into themes of absence and presence in her upcoming works. She aims to push the boundaries of scale and materiality, inspired by artists like Richard Serra, while maintaining a softer approach that invites viewer interaction.

New York Observer

• “if you could talk about it, you wouldn’t make it.” — Mia Westerlund Roosen, Artist

New York Observer

• “The interplay between the blatant and the poetic, or the aggressive and the humorous, sparks curiosity that keeps them continuously intriguing.” — Mia Westerlund Roosen, Artist

New York Observer

• “I would rather the viewer feel what I’m trying to get across, rather than think it.” — Mia Westerlund Roosen, Artist

New York Observer

Through her innovative approach to sculpture and drawing, Mia Westerlund Roosen continues to challenge the boundaries of contemporary art, inviting audiences to explore the emotional landscapes of her work.

New York Observer