Polly Apfelbaum is the Joseph H. Hazen Rome Prize Winner in Visual Arts and an Artist.
What part of the United States did you come from?
I was born in Pennsylvania, went to School outside of Philadelphia and I have lived in NYC since 1978
Why did you apply for the Rome Prize?
Two of my good friends had been fellows recently and they both talked about the experience as “life changing.” I spent a semester in Rome as an undergraduate at Tyler’s Rome program. I hadn’t been back in 30 years and dreamed of going back to Rome. I have found in the past that a change of scene can help to bring new perspective to my work – so the timing seemed right; I had a very productive year last year but was ready to experience the visual richness, history and density of Rome. I wanted a new environment to refresh my eye and brain.
Describe a particularly inspiring moment or location you've experienced in Rome thus far.
It’s hard to narrow it down. To pick two, Borromini’s Cupola di San Carlo and Luigi Moretti’s Casa della GIL in Trastevere. Both have amazing complex geometries, one baroque and one twentieth architecture. For color and geometry, the beautiful Cosmati floors have been very inspiring.
To what extent, if any, has your proposed project changed since your arrival?
My experience is that, especially for a visual artist, it’s better not to lock into something too specific before being there in person. So my proposal was based on past work but I kept it as open ended as possible. So far, I have started out experimenting with new materials; I brought very little and have been finding new things here on site to engage with. Most artists I know are not very good at following their plans, but that’s a good thing – the best is to be surprised.
Have you had any "eureka!" moments or unanticipated breakthroughs in the course of your work here?
I have been so busy taking in new information, I think its very important to go slow and yes I hope to be struck by lightning but in the meantime I like the idea of sponging up everything I can and being patient with my process and production. I think it’s likely that the Eureka moment will happen quietly, in the studio and may take some time to recognize.
What's surprised you most about living in Rome?
The view and the light on the Gianicolo. Every time I see it, it amazes me, it looks like a painting. The colors of Rome are very particular and there are practically no modern buildings in the view. You can also see the mountains (which are already snow capped). The variety of the limited palette of yellows and oranges with the green of the landscape is breathtaking.
How have you managed the balance between your work (time in the studio/study) and engagement with Rome and Italy (travel, sightseeing, interactions with locals)?
I think it is very important to engage with the community and also to get out and about. I try to go on all the walks; it’s a lot but so great. Being in an academic community is something I really love, and very different from my usual routine of being alone in the studio. I am a hyper New Yorker by temperament, so I am trying to adjust to the Italian rhythm.
What is your favorite spot at the Academy? or in Rome?
I love my studio.