Heather Swenson
MFA Printmaking, 2025
What can we learn from things that exist outside capitalistic logic? Stairs that lead to nowhere or a remnant of a fence post defy conventions of use, function, and value. I observe and respond to such moments in the city, documenting these overlooked aspects of the built environment and creating sculptures that rely on similar provisional methods. Temporary repairs, vernacular architecture, and unauthorized modifications present us with alternative ways of engaging with our environment and each other. These witnessed moments of improvisation and makeshift practices often resemble unintended sculptures and reveal new problem-solving methods. By way of sculpture, print media, and site-responsive intervention, I recontextualize and reenact these ad hoc building methods as a means to challenge conventional hierarchies of value.
Inspired by decision paralysis and gallery constraints, Potentials, *restrictions applied, explores the relationship between restriction and possibility through seven scale models of Temple Contemporary. Each model holds a different exhibition, some feasible and some purely speculative, positioning limitation as a source of possibility.
"Picnic, Lightning" Installation view Dimensions Variable Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Best Practices" Digital collage, inkjet print, steel, standoffs 34.5” x 50” x 1” Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Potentials, *restrictions apply" Plywood, pine, inkjet print, concrete, screenprint, masonite, book board, plastic, dollhouse lattice, found objects, insulation board, model fencing Dimensions variable (individual sculptures are 37” x 12” x 14”) Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Denied Access" Staircase, balsa wood, wire 9” x 6” x 5” Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Split the Difference" Corrugated steel, inkjet print, bricks, plywood, OSB, carriage bolt 60” x 26” x 5” Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Picnic, Lightning" Installation View Dimensions Variable Photo Credit: Neighboring States
"Picnic, Lightning" Installation View Dimensions Variable Photo Credit: Neighboring States
"Potentials, *restrictions apply (detail) Plywood, pine, inkjet print, concrete, screenprint, masonite, book board, plastic, dollhouse lattice, found objects, insulation board, model fencing Dimensions variable (individual sculptures are 37” x 12” x 14”) Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Picnic, Lightning" Installation view Dimensions variable Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Pure Staircase, False Exit" Inkjet on vinyl, grommets 113” x 96” Photo credit: Neighboring States
Heather Swenson
Heather Swenson is a multidisciplinary artist from Rochester, New York. In 2019, she was an IEA Artist in Residence at Alfred University, where she created an edition of artist books categorizing an expansive collection of envelope security tints. In 2022, Heather was invited as a visiting artist to The Academy of Visual Arts in Ghent, Belgium, where she also held a solo exhibition. She has shown work in numerous exhibitions across New York, including an invitational at Hallwalls in Buffalo and a juried exhibition at The Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester. Additionally, she was invited to create a large-scale public art installation at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center, which was on display for six months. Heather served on the board of The Print Club of Rochester for eight years, where she helped facilitate two international print exhibitions as Exhibition Manager. She earned her BFA in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts from Purchase College of Art and Design in 2012.