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On View in West Bend

Adolph Rosenblatt

Impressions in Clay

Past Exhibition

January 29–April 13

MOWA | West Bend

About the Exhibition

Showcases Rosenblatt’s distinctive approach to sculpture, reminiscent of impressionistic painting techniques.

On View January 29–April 13

Impressions in Clay: The Sculpted World of Adolph Rosenblatt showcases the artist’s distinctive approach to sculpture. Rather than using traditional sculpting tools, Rosenblatt (1933–2017) used his hands to form clay with highly textural, expressive surfaces that captured the posture and emotions of his subjects—a style reminiscent of impressionist painting. Featured in the exhibition is the monumental work My Balcony—a mass portrait of eighty-one individuals seated at the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee—created between 1995–1997. This masterwork captures the essence of human connection and interaction, portraying friends, family, and colleagues sharing a moment of anticipation as they wait for a movie to begin.

Whether sculpting a portrait of a student, a group of retirees sunbathing, or a resting herd of cows, Rosenblatt was captivated by individuality as well as the shared experiences of the human condition. With every pinch and smudge, his energetic life of sculpting left imprints in clay—and lasting impressions on those around him.

Images: My Balcony, 1997 (detail)