(MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN) – Museum of Wisconsin Art is proud to present Material Girl: Jessica Calderwood, now on view at MOWA | DTN inside Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel. This exhibition showcases Calderwood’s masterful exploration of material and form, where historical references, personal narratives, and creative experimentation converge in strikingly beautiful and often whimsical compositions. Material Girl is on view through June 1.
From beautifully layered enamel paintings depicting human-plant hybrids to delicate sculptures adorned with opalescent drapery, Calderwood’s work navigates the complexities of human existence through anthropomorphic figures that are both captivating and absurd. Through her inventive use of materials, she prompts viewers to consider surface design, craft, and labor while celebrating the beauty found in the unexpected.
With a deep understanding of both traditional craft and industrial processes, Calderwood reimagines historically marginalized art forms as contemporary statements. Her work serves as a testament to the power of materials and technical mastery, bridging the gap between past and present with humor, charm, and thought-provoking artistry.
Calderwood, an Associate Professor of Art in Metals and Jewelry at Ball State University, previously taught at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh for nearly a decade. She earned her BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and an MFA from Arizona State University. A former artist-in-residence at the John Michael Kohler Arts/Industry program, her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
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