Sula Bermudez-Silverman

Lives and works in Los Angeles, CA, USA

Artist statement

Using a variety of mediums, I create things like an enlarged rendition of worm excrement sculpted from ceramic and mud, a dollhouse cast in sugar, or a conceptual fragrance evoking the sensory impressions of historical encounters between Spain and the “New World”. By reimagining familiar objects, I’m interested in excavating the unseen forces shaping our surroundings. My process involves looking at mythological and historical narratives and examining their imprint on our bodies, objects and environments. I trace the trajectories, trades routes and legacies of commodities like chili flakes, pearls, honey bees and chewing gum to explore their impact across time and space. My fascination with materials stems from their histories, practical applications, and the intricacies of their production processes. Often using translucent substances that can mimic each other, I’m looking at the complexities inherent in mimicry, where the boundaries between original and copy, authentic and counterfeit, become nebulous. My intention is to reveal the marks history leaves on its subjects, encouraging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the objects that define our world.

Artwork