Untitled 2013

Helen Pashgian created these columnar sculptures using epoxy resin, a material typically associated with industrial applications. Pashgian’s engagement with resin highlights a fascinating intersection of art, technology, and the burgeoning plastics industry. Resin, in its liquid state, is poured and molded, then hardens to a solid with unique optical properties. Pashgian coaxes light to interact with the cast resin forms, giving them a sense of ethereal presence. The columns appear as if they are glowing from within. The labor is in the careful manipulation of the resin, controlling its setting to achieve the desired translucence and internal reflection. Each column's subtle variations—shifts in color, the quiet inclusion of embedded forms—speak to the artist's sensitive handling of the material. Pashgian takes us beyond traditional sculptural materials, suggesting a shift in our understanding of art. It’s not just about the finished form, but also the innovative processes and industrial materials that artists can harness.