Madisen Matsuura
Madisen Matsuura was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she also works and resides. She is currently attending Santa Monica College pursuing an associates degree in Art History and Studio Art. Working in a wide range of mediums, her work has been shown in Are You Seen? and Here/Now at the Pete and Susan Barrett gallery, Santa Monica as well as Command Z at Resin gallery in Hermosa Beach. Along with her artistic practice, Madisen works as an arts educator at the non-profit organization Rediscover Center, promoting sustainability and accessibility in art-making.
Artist Statement
My work explores the relationship we have with our bodies. Using artifacts that our bodies create, I integrate objects once discarded, found, and relating to the past. The process allows for conversation about how we treat ourselves in relation to the objects we own, obtain, and discard. The identity embedded in the material links to symbols we associate with childhood, girlhood, and the compulsions developed as we grow up. Investigating how the memory of our life expands, as well as degrades, I create sculptural pieces that show the physical hand; replicating the precarious link between the body and the mind. I also physically incorporate the viewer’s body into the work, by playing with the scale of an artwork or creating an installation that allows one to step into the piece, sit on top of, or touch. This immersive element allows for a connection between the mind and vessel, and gives a space or platform to ponder. These personal objects become the stepping stone into self-introspection, and a physical representation of shared experiences.
