About
Evan Rosenberg is an American artist based in Boston, Massachusetts. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Washington & Jefferson College, where he also discovered his passion for the arts through studio classes in drawing and painting. His artistic practice, which integrates silk as a medium, emerged from his scientific research at a biotech startup focused on using silk to stabilize biologics. Fascinated by silk’s potential as an artistic material, Rosenberg began exploring its properties, challenges, and creative possibilities by weaving it into three-dimensional forms.
His fiber art is crafted from silk sourced directly from silkworm cocoons. The process begins with unraveling the silk from the cocoon, which he then dyes in small bundles. Each piece is meticulously created by individually stringing the dyed silk into intricate, three-dimensional structures. This labor-intensive process is grounded in themes of meditation, acceptance, and impermanence.
Rosenberg’s work is not only an exploration of material but also an engagement with the idea of time and change. While the fibers are inherently strong, the longevity of silk remains uncertain—it may last for 15 years or even over a century. This uncertainty is intentional, as Rosenberg’s art invites viewers to reflect on the universal experiences of decay, mortality, and transformation. Just as his work will eventually evolve, so too will our own lives and bodies.
Rosenberg's work is often organized into distinct series, each reflecting a particular thematic exploration:
Perspective Series: This series invites viewers to engage with the artwork from various angles, highlighting the importance of examining life through multiple perspectives. The dynamic interaction encourages reflection on how diverse viewpoints can enrich our understanding of concepts and experiences.
Grounding Series: Emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Grounding Series represents the stability Rosenberg found amid chaos. The thicker, straight lines interwoven within a chaotic web symbolize the grounding forces in our lives, illustrating how we navigate turbulent times and find equilibrium in the face of uncertainty.
Suspended Series: Inspired by a podcast discussion on the layers of identity shaped by life experiences, the Suspended Series features pieces crafted from black silk that hold thicker strands in suspension. At first glance, the main shape is the focus, but a closer look reveals the delicate interplay of materials, much like the complexities that define an individual’s character and history.
While the silk may eventually change or degrade, Rosenberg offers an ongoing connection with his work: if you purchase a piece, you own its design and can choose to have it repaired, restored, or even reconstructed at any time. He encourages viewers to embrace the experience of watching their art evolve over time, creating a living relationship with each piece.