About the Artwork

Mia Westerlund Roosen’s original intent for Flank II, 1978 was to use immediate and mundane material like concrete that would form an imperfect, geometric piece that would exert energy from its core. The imperfections shape the surface and the imprecise and improvised method accentuated the weightiness of the piece. Although they are beautiful and pure, Mia Westerlund Roosen never was interested in making a minimalist object. She wanted it to be expressive, have bold lines, a sensuous surface, inherent color and wonky geometry. Then she hoped that not only that he pieces would be present, but alive. The felt presence added a lot of interest to Flank II. It makes Westerlund’s art more explainable, and mysterious.

Mia Westerlund Roosen was born in New York in 1942. Most of her pieces are often mistaken for minimalism. She emerged as a sculptor in the late 1960’s when minimalism was popular. Westerlund Roosen chose the organic over the industrial, aesthetic of minimalism, and held on to her commitment to the handmade object. She is also known for the Muro Series IX and the Corner Series.

Although feeling, sensuality, self expression where not a part of minimalism they are very important both intent and in the finished work of Westerlund. Westerlund wants us to feel the sculpture’s presence and to be conscious of the life within them.

 

By: Rachel Howbert, Grace Clumpner and Kaitlyn Bonnell

Drawing and Voiceover: Grace Clumpner
Outdoor Video/ Voiceover: Rachel Howbert
Claymation: Kaitlyn Bonnell
Audio: Rachel Howbert, Grace Clumpner, Kaitlyn Bonnell
Drawn Animation: Rachel Howbert
Research: Rachel Howbert

Music:

Grouper- Disengaged
Howl Jolson- Game Start
Yann Tiersen- La Dispute