Fall ’20 — Artist Essay
Artist: Bobi Bosson
Media: Painting, Screen Printing, Sculpture, Ceramics, Illustration, Graphic Design
Website: https://bobi-lee.com/work
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbieleeboss/
After attending CSU Channel Islands for animation, multimedia artist Bobi Bosson instead discovered that her passion for a variety of art. Bosson has a self described appreciation for detail which she expresses through her forms of multimedia. While she is not a self described feminist artist, Bosson’s art mimics feminist ideologies. This is due to the fact that Bosson is influenced by feminist giants and is inspired by their actions. Her art often sends a social activist message with a loving purpose.
In her sculpture entitled “Rosie,” Bosson sculpts the feminine torso using welded steel. The steel used is rough and grey, rusted just so that it gives off a faint brown and orange tint. This material contrasts with the smooth curves and lines of the figure build the form of the whole figure. The breasts are formed using coiled spring like shapes giving the piece a three dimensional look, which the quadriceps also do by being formed using curved and intersecting lines. To make the sculpture, Bosson bent, welded, and wore the steel. The sculpture is suspended in air via a mono filament cord from the shoulders of the piece.
Looking at this piece, there is a clear message commenting on the female form and resilience. In this piece, Bosson explores the hard and softness of both the sculpture’s medium and the message. The choice to use metal represents feminine strength and resilience. This idea further expressed in the rusted and rough appearance of the material. This worn appearance comments on the experiences that women go through and the effect that it has on them over time. This rough appearance opposes with the smooth curves and lines of the sculpture. These smooth curves and lines instead represent fluidity and softness. This is another exploration into art that speaks on social issues and injustices that Bosson feels so passionate about. Altogether, Bosson’s sculpture “Rosie” express the many sides of the feminine experience all within one piece.
After viewing her art, I can definitely understand and resonate with the message Bosson is expressing through her work. Because of the feminist tone and social activist messages of her work, I can relate with many of the same feelings of the piece especially during these times. Her artwork as a whole aims to express a commentary on feminine and social issues, with a loving and educational purpose. This art in particular I find to stand out from others because of it’s multiple layers and rich symbolism. I find the richness and unapologetic nature of Bosson’s art to be particularly refreshing, inspiring, and empowering for me moving forward with my art. I feel as though I can feel free to express my passions through multiple mediums of art, and to not feel as though I can only specialize in one.
