Episode 19 : Kate Rusek

Drawing inspiration from the impacts of human-made environmental disasters, the emotional terrain of our surroundings, and the workings of natural ecosystems, Kate Rusek crafts sculptures that are rich in tactile sensation, elevating these influences to a state of opulent maximalism. She combines various elements and biophilic designs to challenge the societal values and stories attributed to materials. Rusek's art delves into the lavishness of history, creating scenarios that examine the divide between organic and artificial realms, with a focus on the physical engagement with craft and material essence. Looking through the perspective of deep time, she shows a keen interest in synthetic and highly processed materials as a means to repurpose urban decay into a defiant stance against economic norms. Her creations serve as a medium to envision a regenerative tomorrow, questioning our mental perceptions, the values imposed by society, and a widespread ethic of care, all through the prism of desire and plenty.