Sasha K. Reibstein

Artist Statement

Our physiology is perhaps the most defining element of our persona. Something as benign as a lisp can create life long affects, inspiring a large vocabulary selectively omitting usage of the letter “s” or the avoidance of public speaking. Chronic pain can influence decisions about level of activity, social interaction and ability to concentrate. Mental illness, often associated with chemical imbalances, is perhaps the most insidious of conditions as it bears no physical manifestation, instead presenting as a mind at war with itself, making it difficult to differentiate between the disease and inherent personality. Currently, we have an impressive range of pharmaceutical and surgical options to improve many of these common ailments. Yet while modern medicine has provided significant improvement in both lifespan and quality of life, it has also created unrealistic expectations, implying a solution to all imperfections and malfunctions. This false sense of control is both beautiful and destructive as we attempt to circumvent our biological limitations and transform into idealized versions of ourselves. My current work explores how our physiological experiences influence our sense of self and help to shape our identity. I use abstracted organic forms to refer to the body while allowing the viewer to infer their own experiences through their lack of specificity. These forms are layered with sculpted details of nerves and often an accompanying sense of internal pressure, threatening its breaking point. I also frequently use images of circuitry, text, brain scans and chemical structures to refer both to technology and our own complicated biology.


	Sasha K. Reibstein Artist Statement Our physiology is perhaps the most defining element of our persona. Something as benign as a lisp can create life long affects, inspiring a large vocabulary selectively omitting usage of the letter “s” or the avoidance of public speaking. Chronic pain can influence decisions about level of activity, social interaction and ability to concentrate. Mental illness, often associated with chemical imbalances, is perhaps the most insidious of conditions as it bears no physical manifestation, instead presenting as a mind at war with itself, making it difficult to differentiate between the disease and inherent personality. Currently, we have an impressive range of pharmaceutical and surgical options to improve many of these common ailments. Yet while modern medicine has provided significant improvement in both lifespan and quality of life, it has also created unrealistic expectations, implying a solution to all imperfections and malfunctions. This false sense of control is both beautiful and destructive as we attempt to circumvent our biological limitations and transform into idealized versions of ourselves. My current work explores how our physiological experiences influence our sense of self and help to shape our identity. I use abstracted organic forms to refer to the body while allowing the viewer to infer their own experiences through their lack of specificity. These forms are layered with sculpted details of nerves and often an accompanying sense of internal pressure, threatening its breaking point. I also frequently use images of circuitry, text, brain scans and chemical structures to refer both to technology and our own complicated biology.