Dr. Martha Friedman

Biography

Martha Friedman is a New York-based sculptor known for her innovative use of solid plastic materials. Her artistic practice explores the boundaries of physical forms, often featuring towering sculptures constructed from unstable materials interspersed with malleable elements. Friedman's works carry a sense of precariousness and irony, infused with humor and subverted ambition. Since starting her teaching career at Princeton University in 2009, she has been heavily involved in the Visual Arts Program, serving as Acting Director and later as Director. She teaches a range of courses from introductory to advanced sculpture, as well as program seminars for majors, providing foundational guidance for thesis projects. Friedman's collaborative work extends into the realms of dance and choreography, prominently partnering with choreographers and dancers to explore the interplay between materiality and the human body. Her exhibitions have received critical recognition, featuring in esteemed publications like Art America and Artforum, and she has held numerous solo exhibitions across the United States. Born in Detroit, Friedman earned her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her MFA from Yale University School of Art. She resides and works in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Research Interests