Interview
Aleksandra Scepanovic
Aleksandra Scepanovic's journey to sculpture began in socialist Yugoslavia in the 1980’s. Her professional path traversed the realms of archaeology, war zones during the 1990’s Balkans conflict, and interior design in NYC. Celebrating the bravery of continuation, snippets from her past inspire Aleksandra's artistic spirit. Today, Aleksandra collaborates with a collective of sculptors in her studio in Woodstock, NY. Her sculptural work underscores Aleksandra's experience of migratory displacement and an enduring quest for a true likeness of identity, suspended between war, peace, and culture.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’m a sculptor based in Woodstock, NY, taken by a keen interest in themes of elusive identity through displacement. I explore these themes using clay as a medium, appreciating the enigmatic and surreal nature of art that reflects wholeness through fracture, and offers timeless perspectives on the human condition. My journey in the art world began with a fascination for how art can encapsulate and express complex human emotions and narratives, leading me to pursue a continuous trajectory of learning in sculpture.”
What inspires you?
“I find inspiration in the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty found in imperfection and brokenness, which are central to my creative process.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In my sculptural work, I pursue themes of elusive identity, displacement, perseverance, triumph, and loss. The underlying message in my work is that through adversity and fragmentation, one can find strength, wholeness, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. By highlighting the fractures and imperfections, I convey that our struggles and challenges contribute to our growth and resilience. My art suggests that it is within the broken and fragmented pieces of our lives that we can discover our true selves and achieve a profound sense of wholeness. This perspective encourages viewers to embrace their vulnerabilities and see the beauty in their own imperfections, fostering a deeper connection with the universal human experience.”
How would you describe your work?
“My sculptures are a profound exploration of the human condition, rendered through the expressive medium of clay. My sculptures often feature fragmented forms and distorted figures, reflecting the beauty found in imperfection and brokenness. This stylistic approach emphasizes the fractures and vulnerabilities inherent in the human experience, conveying a powerful message of resilience and transformation. Works such as "The Vanishing," "The Divide," and "Fragments" highlight this interplay of wholeness through fracture, suggesting that true strength and understanding arise from embracing our imperfections. My pieces, such as "The Sitter" and "Veronica," convey deep emotional narratives through their expressive details and haunting presence. The use of texture and form in works like "Cluster" and "Thresholds" further accentuates the themes of connection and separation, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the universal human experience. Overall, my sculptures offer timeless perspectives on the resilience of the human spirit, encouraging viewers to find beauty and strength within their own vulnerabilities and to appreciate the profound insights that come from adversity.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I find inspiration in the works of many who have walked the paths of sculpture before me. Among the artists to have profoundly influenced my creative journey, Alberto Giacometti stands out for his ability to convey the human condition through elongated form. Additionally, the surreal and fragmented works of Hans Arp resonate with my interest in abstraction and the beauty of imperfection. Contemporary artists like Antony Gormley, with his exploration of the human body in space, and Kiki Smith, whose work often delves into themes of identity and transformation, continue to inspire me. The hyper-realistic and scale-defying works of Ron Mueck, the expressive and dynamic forms of Camille Claudel, and the modern, abstracted figurative elements of Tony Cragg also significantly influence my creative practice. These artists, through their diverse approaches and unique perspectives, have collectively shaped my understanding of art and its potential to reflect and transform human experiences.”
“In my sculptural work, I pursue themes of elusive identity, displacement, perseverance, triumph, and loss. The underlying message in my work is that through adversity and fragmentation, one can find strength, wholeness, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.”
What is your creative process like?
“This revision is compelling and evocative. It clearly communicates the depth and significance of the intuitive, subconscious aspect of your creative process. Here’s a slightly polished version: Often, my pieces will emerge from clay (I refer to that early stage as “seeding”) as elemental human forms. At some point during the process, there comes a moment that transcends deliberate intention. This moment involves an inner conduit, a part of the creative process that exists outside of direct consciousness and is incredibly precious. It feels surreal, with my mind at its quietest, and is characterized by a sense of flow where ideas and forms intersect and manifest almost spontaneously. In these instances, the work emerges with a sense of inevitability, as if it were already complete in some latent state, and I am merely uncovering it. The resulting pieces often carry an authenticity and rawness that resonate with a deeper truth or emotional depth, reflecting a profound connection between my inner self and my artwork. This channeling, in ways, is both exhilarating and humbling, as it underscores the idea that creativity is not just a matter of skill and effort but also of accessing and expressing something beyond ordinary consciousness.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“From my perspective, an artist’s role in society is both deeply rooted and ever-evolving. At its core, art reflects the complexities of human experience. Through my work, I aim to offer a mirror to society’s joys, struggles, and transformations. By delving into these themes, art challenges conventional viewpoints and provokes thought, encouraging us to question and re-evaluate our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Art also possesses a unique power to evoke deep emotional responses, fostering empathy and introspection. My thematic focus seeks to touch on universal emotions, creating a resonance that connects people on a profound level. As society becomes more interconnected, the role of an artist continues to expand. We have the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary dialogues, collaborating with artists, scientists, and activists to address global challenges and contribute to a broader cultural conversation. Furthermore, the growing awareness of social and environmental issues means that artists are increasingly expected to advocate for change. My exploration of identity and displacement can intersect with larger conversations about social justice and sustainability, highlighting the artist’s role as both an activist and advocate.
Community engagement is another evolving aspect of the artist’s role. By connecting with local audiences and participating in community-driven projects, artists like myself can help bridge gaps and strengthen communal bonds. As the value of art continues to evolve, its impact is increasingly recognized not just in aesthetic terms but also in its contribution to personal well-being and social progress. In this way, the artist’s role is continually redefined, blending deep personal exploration with active engagement in the world, while offering profound insights into the human experience.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve had the privilege of participating in several noteworthy exhibitions that have been significant milestones in my short artistic journey. One of the highlights was being selected by peers for membership in Amos Eno Gallery in Brooklyn, NY. The gallery is currently staging a show for September - early October 2024. I’ve had wonderful opportunities to showcase my work to broader audiences in New York (Woodstock, Kingston and NYC), California and Paris, France. My work was published in The Modern Renaissance magazine’s Summer 2024 issue.”
Website: aleksandrasculpture.com
Instagram: @atelierwdstk_hudsonvalley
