"Syzygy" - Kimberlee Rocca

Artist Statement:

Kimberlee Rocca is an acclaimed Midwestern artist whose work masterfully integrates geological, architectural, and salvage elements with a profound exploration of play, form, negative space, and color. Her distinctive style is characterized by an inventive use of reclaimed materials and a vibrant palette that breathes new life into the forgotten and the discarded materials.

Rocca's art is a dynamic interplay of abstract forms and rich textures, inspired by nature’s diverse landscapes and manmade structures. Central to Rocca’s work is her exploration of negative space and its relationship with color and form. She utilizes these elements to create striking contrasts and subtle nuances, drawing the viewer's eye to the spaces between and around her bold, geometric shapes.

Her innovative use of color—ranging from vibrant hues to muted tones—plays a crucial role in conveying mood, emotion and naturally occurring diversity. Her manipulation of form and space and the multiple installation options adds layers of complexity and intrigue to her work. Each collection of elements becomes a conversation between color and form, where the negative spaces are as integral as the forms themselves.

Her current body of work ruminates on the lifecycle of discarded substrates as they move from the job site floors, walls and dumpsters through the creative processes within her studio walls. Transforming scraps into Mixed Media Wall Sculptures, Play Sculptures and Mobiles on wood and aluminum in 2 and 3 dimensions. Her works are included in collections of The University of Iowa, The University of Missouri St. Louis, and Kirkwood Community College as well as corporate installations and private homes.

In addition to her studio work she is locally recognized for her custom home designs in the Iowa City area with unique architectural features, attention to livability in home design, sculptural elements and mosaic installations. Her custom home portfolio can be seen at www.roccacustomhomes.com. She attests that her passion for building and art are dynamically intertwined. Ultimately, she cannot do one without the inspirations and disciplines of the other.