Dinah Sargeant's fiber sculptures present a unique blend of emotion and form, using textile art to explore the complexities of the human experience.
Dinah Sargeant is a fiber artist whose sculptural work explores themes of transformation, identity, and emotion through vibrant and expressive figures, often incorporating textiles and mixed media to convey depth and meaning.
Her figures, often characterized by their expressive features and dynamic poses, invite viewers into an intimate dialogue about vulnerability, transformation, and identity. Sargeant’s artistry is not just in the material but in the emotional depth and narrative richness she brings to each piece.
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Soft on the Inside (2022)
Soft on the Inside, Dinah Sargeant, 2022, painted cotton fabric, 12 x 10 x 6 in. / 30.48 x 25.4 x 15.24 cm.
Soft on the Inside is a striking sculpture that captures the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. The figure, wrapped in painted cotton fabric and encased in a tangled web of wire, seems to be both emerging from and contained by its own inner turmoil. Sargeant's use of color and texture evokes a sense of emotional conflict, hinting at themes of self-protection and resilience. The intricate details of the face and hands further amplify the introspective nature of the piece, making it a powerful exploration of human fragility.
Holding Molt (2020)
Holding Molt, Dinah Sargeant, 2020, fiber, 19 x 7.5 x 4 in. / 48.26 x 19.05 x 10.16 cm.
In Holding Molt, Sargeant examines the concept of shedding and renewal. The figure, with its elongated limbs and expressive face, appears to be caught mid-transition, embodying the process of change. The use of vibrant colors and patchwork textures enhances the sense of metamorphosis, while the figure’s posture suggests both hesitation and acceptance. Sargeant's fiberwork captures the universal struggle of growth, using materials that metaphorically speak to the layers we all shed and accumulate throughout life.
Birdy (2023)
Birdy, Dinah Sargeant, 2023, fiber, 13 x 6 x 3 in. / 33.02 x 15.24 x 7.62 cm.
Birdy is a whimsical yet poignant piece that captures a moment of flight or transformation. The figure, adorned with fabric birds and delicate fibers, appears to be in a state of ascension, symbolizing freedom or escape. Sargeant's choice of light blues and whites creates an ethereal quality, while the mixed-media approach adds layers of texture and meaning. The piece speaks to the longing for liberation and the beauty of embracing one’s true self, making it both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
Dinah Sargeant’s sculptures are more than just objects; they are embodiments of emotion and experience. Her use of fiber as a medium allows for a tactile exploration of complex themes, from personal transformation to the search for identity. Sargeant’s work continues to push the boundaries of fiber art, inviting viewers to connect deeply with the stories her sculptures tell.
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