Sergio Roger
Barcelona-based artist Sergio Roger creates Graeco-Roman inspired sculptures using antique embroidered textiles, shifting the medium and our perception of the hard into the tactile and soft.
Photography: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
Sergio Roger in his incredible studio in Barcelona. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
Exocolumn Mauve, 2022 by Sergio Roger. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
‘By replacing stone or bronze with a soft material I aim to break down our preconceived ideas around traditional sculpture and shed a new light on our understanding of history through archeology,’ says Sergio Roger. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
H&F: Hi Sergio, did you have an interest in design and art from a young age?
Sergio: I remember being a kid with a lot of imagination who was a very bad student. I used to cope with boredom by drawing constantly on the school books during the school lessons. I also taught myself how to hand-stitch and started creating stuffed characters made out of cloth from an early age.
Do you have a disciplined studio routine and any rituals to help keep you focused?
I tend to do the all the admin in the morning and work in my sculptures in the afternoon. Listening to classical music or art history podcasts is something that I do often.
Tell us about your passion for ancient civilisations and the Graeco-Roman era, what sparked the passion?
I’m interested in ancient art in general but feel a special predilection for Classic Greek- Roman art since it’s a common ground to speak about notions of beauty and idealism from a Western perspective.
As an artist, what’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way?
I’ve learnt that art is a great tool for connecting with others on a deep level in order to allow new possibilities of perceiving reality.
Do you have a favourite type of material to work with?
I love natural fibers such as linen or raw silk. I’m specially keen to work with ancient fabrics since they carry stories and presence.
How would you describe your personal aesthetic - does it cross over in your work?
I never really searched for a specific style. It’s true though, that when I look at old work of mine I still find themes and features that are still today very related to my current practice.
Cyrene, 2020 by Sergio Roger. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
Antoninus Pius, 2020 by Sergio Roger. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
‘I love natural fibers such as linen or raw silk. I’m specially keen to work with ancient fabrics since they carry stories and presence,’ says Sergio Roger. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
Exocolumn Mauve, 2022 by Sergio Roger. Photo: Courtesy of Sergio Roger
Your textile sculptures are extremely elaborate - how long does it take you to complete one work?
Between 1 to 4 months.
Your sculptures are reinterpreted, shifting the medium from hard structures which would normally be made from stone to embroidered soft textiles, what is it about shifting the perception about how we see these forms that you’re drawn to?
By replacing stone or bronze with a soft material I aim to break down our preconceived ideas around traditional sculpture and shed a new light on our understanding of history through archeology.
Do you remember some of your early works - how has your work evolved throughout time?
Soft materials and specially textiles have been always present in my artistic practice. I feel that each period of my life is reflected in my works.
Is this your dream job?
My job allows me to grow and learn about myself and the world in every aspect. I love the solitude in my studio combined with traveling for exhibitions and meeting wonderful people around the world.
Do you use art to explore feelings and emotions?
Absolutely yes. Textiles have the ability to absorb the presence and feelings of the individuals that manufacture them and I believe that these come definetely across to the viewer.