Bright and utterly mesmerizing, I’m excited to share some of Eden Mitsenmacher’s work, and some additional thoughts on the blog today! Mitsenmacher was born in the US and now splits her time between Tel Aviv and Rotterdam. She earned an MFA from the Dutch Art Institute in 2013, and has been examining and experimenting with video and digital media practices, often employing a personal experience which she presents in a casual yet relatable sweet awkwardness, occasionally with a touch of irony.
She described her practice as, if not accidental, then a product of necessity. “I have always been fascinated by the moving image, and I am a huge film buff,” she says. “Once I graduated I realized I am poor, and materials are expensive. I still wanted to make work, and it kind of happened that I ended up just making videos. Sometimes life’s circumstances steer you in the right direction.”
Before pursuing her MFA at the Dutch Art Institute, Mitsenmacher attended Goldsmiths College in London, where she “did a bit of everything.” And she adds, “Education is a tricky thing: once you receive it, you can also have the tools to critique it. Goldsmiths was good and bad like any place. I learned a lot but I also knew nothing when I got there. It was truly open and you could do almost anything you wanted, which is nice, I guess, but it also means that you spend a lot of the time being really lost.”
Now that she has been navigating the art world post-university, she suggests that “it is important to experiment, and be open, sincere, and patient. Dreams are important, but they take time. Along the way you experience endless failures, and it is easier embracing them than trying to fight them off. Also, education is important, and a good base, but it doesn’t guarantee anything, and you’ll still have to work hard after studying, and try to navigate your way in this mysterious, so-called art world. And DIY is great! Try and embrace it. Build and work within a positive community. Being nice is cool.”
When I asked what she feels has been the biggest challenge, she replied, “Life is a huge challenge! Everything about it is challenging but is also great and can be a lot of fun at times. I keep reminding myself not too freak out and stress too much.” And of course, all challenges are met with success at some point, or a feeling of being able to move forward, or accomplish something significant. She explains, “I’d say my biggest success is that I am still making work and still having fun with it. I meet great people along the way and we have managed to collaborate on some exciting things which makes me proud and hopeful. Oh god I come across as mega cheesy.”
And all I can think to say is, cheesy to the max, and I hope that never changes! Mitsenmacher’s work is fresh, weird, beautiful, and keeps me guessing. I’d urge you to check out more examples of her work and information at edenmitsenmacher.com.
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Continue this conversation below; leave a comment! What does “community” mean to your art practice? Do you consider a positive community to be a significant part of what you do? Why and how does it help? Does it ever hinder?
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