Mahsa Biglow working on a piece, courtesy of the artist
During times of uncertainty, reflecting back can provide insight for forward momentum. With that in mind, I interviewed the artist Mahsa Biglow who was an artist-in-residence at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts last summer, to see what she’s been up to one year later.
Where are you at the moment? I’m in Piscataway, NJ.
What project are you currently most excited about? I am creating a new video installation called “H.A.A.R.P.” It’s short for ‘High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program’ which was initiated as an ionospheric research program partially funded by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. There are many controversies about this program and the most popular one is that HAARP can be used as a military weapon. I am interested in this project specifically because the Israeli government was accused of misusing this program by the Iranian government.
What can you see out your window? I see a sad house that looks unoccupied. The lawn in front of the house is always in good shape, but I have never seen anyone going in or out.
How did you end up doing a residency at GoggleWorks? I heard about GoggleWorks from a friend and applied last minute. Literally! I remember I took a screenshot of the confirmation notification on my phone, 11:59pm on the deadline day!
Anything significant happen in this past year since then for you with your work? I have been busy rethinking my practice this past year. I am experiencing a huge pivot, and my work is going to change drastically.
How has the pandemic affected your work? I am focused on videos more than before. I don’t have access to the resources I normally use to make work. So, right now, I spend hours just editing videos.
Who inspires you? My partner inspires me tremendously. He’s a robotic engineer and he often shares his ideas and research with me, which is amazing. He often opens new windows to me, introducing new technologies and concepts.
What did you have for breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal in our home! I had an egg sandwich with avocado, cheese and cherry tomatoes.
Who would you most like to break bread with? I really miss hanging out with friends and family. I can’t wait to be back to normal again and hug them all.
Name something in your life that didn't go as expected. My immigration to the U.S. I was supposed to move here two years earlier, but my visa was rejected.
What do you say when asked "tell me about your work?” Spend some time with it, my work is pretty self-explanatory.
What are your upcoming goals? To stay healthy, keep working and not be afraid of risks and changes.
For more information:
https://goggleworks.org/people/mahsa-biglow/
Beth Krumholz is a Berks County native, currently residing in Bethlehem. She is an educator, artist, and poet. She has worked in the field of alternative art education for over 20 years, from NYC to San Francisco. In her spare time, she enjoys Indian cooking, Appalachian waterfalls, table-top herb gardening, and hanging out with her wonderful son and their mischievous cats. Photo: Jenny Schulder-Brant
