Podcast Summary: All Of It – Artist Sheree Hovsepian on Her Solo Show 'Figure Ground'
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Guest: Sheree Hovsepian
- Episode Title: Artist Sheree Hovsepian on Her Solo Show 'Figure Ground'
- Release Date: May 12, 2025
- Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators about the what and why of their work.
Introduction to Sheree Hovsepian and 'Figure Ground'
Timestamp: [00:28]
Alison Stewart introduces Sheree Hovsepian, an Iranian-born artist from Ohio, known for exploring the complexities of identity, memory, and the female body through various mediums such as photography, sculpture, and textiles. Hovsepian's latest solo exhibition, 'Figure Ground', is showcased at Huffner and Wie Gallery and represents a new phase in her artistic journey. The exhibition features figures, bronze sculptures, large-scale drawings, and experiments with different materials, coinciding with the release of her first monograph titled "Just My Name, Sheree Hovsepian", set for publication on May 20th.
Quote:
"Figure Ground" references a concept present in both sex psychology and visual art. You can't tell which one is what—the image, two things put next to each other. – Sheree Hovsepian [01:22]
Conceptual Framework of 'Figure Ground'
Timestamp: [01:21 - 02:23]
Hovsepian explains that 'Figure Ground' draws from the psychological concept where the brain distinguishes a figure from its background—a primal trait essential for survival. Additionally, as an immigrant, she relates the concept to her personal quest to find her place and establish roots in a new environment, making the show's title multifaceted.
Quote:
"The brain tries to distinguish a figure from the background. And this is a trait that comes from a primal sort of trait where humans had to figure out what was prey, what was dangerous in the field." – Sheree Hovsepian [01:33]
Artistic Exploration of Perception and Transference
Timestamp: [02:34 - 03:23]
Hovsepian delves into how art viewing serves as a space for transference, akin to the Freudian concept in therapy. She believes art facilitates the exploration of unconscious and abstract ideas, allowing viewers to engage deeply with her work.
Quote:
"Art viewing can be a place of transference... where the viewer can explore ideas of the unconscious and abstract ideas that are mediated through the artwork." – Sheree Hovsepian [02:34]
Continuation and Evolution of Artistic Practice
Timestamp: [03:31 - 04:12]
Discussing her ongoing collaboration with Huffner and Lou Hufner, Hovsepian views her work as a continuous evolution. Her previous exhibition featured smaller sculptures, whereas 'Figure Ground' presents larger pieces intended to dominate and interact dynamically within the gallery space.
Quote:
"When I'm thinking about new projects, it's often my previous work that feeds into the new project or idea." – Sheree Hovsepian [03:38]
Sculptural Work and Spatial Interaction
Timestamp: [04:16 - 05:39]
Hovsepian describes her bronze sculptures as deliberately large to create a commanding presence within the gallery. The placement is intuitive, aiming to give the figures a sense of movement and allowing viewers to experience them from multiple angles.
Quote:
"I wanted the figures... to look like they were sort of dancing within the space." – Sheree Hovsepian [04:22]
Large-Scale Drawings and Creative Process
Timestamp: [06:48 - 10:12]
The conversation shifts to Hovsepian's large drawings, created by manipulating ink on paper to capture the interplay of control and chaos. She employs a rule that any ink spilling off the page renders the work invalid, highlighting her disciplined approach despite embracing unpredictability.
Quote:
"I make rules for myself. If the ink runs off the page, then the painting is... garbage." – Sheree Hovsepian [06:53]
Photography and Fragmented Human Forms
Timestamp: [08:24 - 10:37]
Hovsepian discusses her photographic series featuring her sister as a model. The photographs emphasize fragments of the human body interacting with large foam core shapes, symbolizing vulnerability and tactile experiences. The use of white foam disrupts the visual plane, adding a layer of abstraction and fragmentation.
Quote:
"It's about interacting with these shapes and making an interesting image that is evocative and provocative." – Sheree Hovsepian [09:15]
Assemblages and Mixed Media in Collage Series
Timestamp: [12:18 - 13:54]
Hovsepian elaborates on her collage works, which incorporate various materials from her personal "toolbox," including fabric, paint, yarn, and string. These assemblages carry personal significance, referencing her mother's history with string art and her own meditative creative process.
Quote:
"The string was something that I'd been using before. It has, for me, connotations of sort of hand work that I did with my mom when I was growing up." – Sheree Hovsepian [13:54]
Personal Background and Artistic Inspiration
Timestamp: [14:01 - 16:03]
Hovsepian shares her journey into art, initially pursuing art history before committing to studio work. Her immigrant experience, marked by her family's displacement due to the Iranian revolution, profoundly influences her artistry, instilling grit and a desire to establish her legacy.
Quote:
"My immigrant experience really informs my artistic practice... watching my mom obtain a PhD after going through, you know, a difficult time." – Sheree Hovsepian [14:52]
Collaboration and Support System
Timestamp: [16:03 - 17:02]
Hovsepian touches on her relationship with her husband, Rasheed Johnson, and her sister, who often models for her work. While they serve as her immediate support and feedback system, she maintains a clear boundary in incorporating them into her art.
Quote:
"We are each other's soundboards and first viewers. And I trust him and really revere his comments and his ideas." – Sheree Hovsepian [16:26]
Monograph and Reflection on Her Work
Timestamp: [17:04 - 18:35]
Discussing her upcoming monograph, Hovsepian reflects on her body of work and personal growth. Revisiting her art allows her to recognize her courage and the sacrifices made by her family, reinforcing the sincerity she aims to convey through her creations.
Quote:
"I learned that perhaps, maybe that is something that I could say about myself." – Sheree Hovsepian [17:56]
Closing Thoughts and Artistic Goals
Timestamp: [18:46 - 19:29]
Hovsepian expresses her desire for viewers to engage sincerely with her art, emphasizing authenticity over conveying a single, specific message. Her goal is for the audience to find genuine connection and belief in her work.
Quote:
"I just hope that they want to engage with it and that they find it to be sincere." – Sheree Hovsepian [18:46]
Conclusion
Timestamp: [19:16 - 19:38]
Alison Stewart wraps up the conversation, highlighting Hovsepian's achievements and upcoming projects, including the solo exhibition 'Figure Ground' and her monograph "Just My Name, Sheree Hovsepian." Hovsepian thanks Alison for the platform to share her work.
Note: For visual insights into Sheree Hovsepian's artwork featured in 'Figure Ground', listeners are encouraged to visit WNYC's Instagram page @allofitstories.