Robert Mertens

My research combines ideas of eschatology, acoustics, handcraft and loss; which I manifest in hybrid sculptures and installations. My practice is driven by concepts related to fragmentation, spirituality, repetition, pattern, interconnection and the emphasis of meaning found in craft processes. I search for broken narratives, end-time beliefs, quotidian gestures, textile structures, and the echo of entropy. In my work, I consider the shifting nature of craft and tradition by deconstructing ideas of progression and time. I often employ traditional craft techniques such as weaving, felting, quilting and hand embroidery and combine them with advanced prototyping technology such as laser-cutting, digital fabric printing, and digital Jacquard hand weaving. I triangulate between the poetics of electricity, the production of the hand and daydreams of dystopia. How does humanity perceive its relationship to technology changing? Why is string considered any different than 3D printing? What tension can be gleaned from understanding this perceived difference or continuous blurring?

MFA
University of Oregon
BFA
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Audio Engineering Certification
Northeastern Wisconsin Technical College

Hangaram Museum of Design, Seoul, South Korea
Scythia Arts Center, Kherson, Ukraine
Burren College of Art, Newton Castle, Ireland
Bellevue Arts Museum, WA
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach, VA
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City, MI
Museum of Contemporary Craft, Portland, OR
Muskegon Art Museum, MI.
Museum of Contemporary Art, Arlington, VA
East Tennessee State University, Karlota Gallery, TN
Marshall University, WV
Berea College, KY
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
Elon University, NC
Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
Hunter Gallery, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Crooked Tree Arts Center,Traverse City, MI
Arts Council Fayetteville, Fayetteville, NC
Praxis Fiber Workshop,Cleveland, OH
Harry Wood Gallery,Tempe, AR
SEAD Gallery, Houston, TX
Ann Arbor Art Center; Ann Arbor, MI