Michela Roman

Artist Statement

I sculpt the body in unnatural poses to explore our psychological realities through our physical bodies. Our emotions are held within our bodies: the way we hold ourselves, whether that is with straight strong postures or hunched-in closed shoulders conveys distinct and specific emotions of a person, essentially a peek into their psyches. Our subconscious minds cause impactful body reactions, most of which are so complex that it's difficult to fully describe in words alone. In my practice, I aim to create a visual clarity around the uncertainties of our mind and body connections.
Using water-based clay, I intuitively sculpt the body into subtly unnatural and manipulated positions to accentuate the interlocking of opposing emotions. I showcase the impact these unclear and liminal emotions have on our body through the focus of body language and form manipulation: such as a sculpture's arm melting into its leg, hands forming together or two figures merging as one. Form manipulations help expand the physical body into the realm of the subconscious. Changing the perspective of the “physical” and creating an atmosphere where uncertainty lies and the body can both exist and be heard.