18 Questions With...
Tanya Brodsky

Apr 1, 2025
Interview image

Tanya Brodsky

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18 Questions With...
Tanya Brodsky

Apr 1, 2025 1
Share this interview:
Interview image

Tanya Brodsky

"18 Questions With" is an interview series featuring the artists, curators, and gallerists driving art's next wave.

Tanya Brodsky is a sculptor and installation artist who turns everyday architectural objects into playful pieces that make us rethink their purpose. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine and now living in Los Angeles, she brings her bicultural background and training in printmaking (RISD) and fine art (UC San Diego) into all her work. Brodsky’s sculptures often look familiar but can’t be used as expected, creating what she calls “the poetics of futility.”

Q01:
When do you do your best work, day or night?
A01:

Day.

Q02:
What's the first thing you do when you step into your studio?
A02:

Coffee.

Q03:
What's one tool or material you can't live without?
A03:

The 1940’s steel mechanical pencil my grandfather brought from Germany after the war. Also my welder.

Q04:
What's inspiring you right now?
A04:

Architectural models.

<p><em>Intermezzo,</em> Audiobook (2024) by Sally Rooney</p>

Intermezzo, Audiobook (2024) by Sally Rooney

Q05:
What are you listening to in your studio?
A05:

“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney on audiobook.

Q06:
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
Q07:
What's a dream project you haven't tackled yet?
A07:

(Left unanswered)

Q08:
What's one thing about the art world that you think people misunderstand?
A08:

I think there are all kinds of art multiverses, all swirling around simultaneously, each one with its own values and priorities, and these are also all constantly changing. So maybe that’s the misunderstanding - approaching it as a singular thing.

Q09:
What's the best (or worst) advice you've ever received as an artist?
A09:

Don’t talk about your dream projects.

Q10:
Favorite exhibition space?
A10:

Leroy’s in Los Angeles.

Q11:
What's the first thing you notice about people?
A11:

Body language? I’m trying to not be petty and write shoes, but also, shoes.

Q12:
Most recent purchase?
A12:

Very tiny bolts.

Q13:
Favorite libation?
A13:

Whiskey soda.

<p><em>McMaster-Carr Catalog 96</em> (1990), McMaster-Carr Supply Company</p>

McMaster-Carr Catalog 96 (1990), McMaster-Carr Supply Company

Q14:
A book that everyone should read?
A14:

The McMaster Carr catalog.

Q15:
What superpower would you want?
A15:

A trust fund? Adamantium claws as a close second.

Q16:
What's a vice you wish you could give up?
A16:

Instagram.

Q17:
Is there a particular place or city that fuels your creativity whenever you visit?
A17:

Architectural salvage yards.

Q18:
If you weren't an artist, what would you be doing?
A18:

Dismantling locks as TikTok ASMR.

The opinions and statements are solely those of the interviewee and do not represent UntitledDb.
Do you have an idea for a question you'd like us to ask in a future interview? Suggest a question.
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All comments: 1
RWildes 1 day ago
LOVE this, REALLY Good questions. I really like the visual interjection of items referenced in the artist’s answer. Graphically intriguing and strong. Need to check out her work. Thanks for the introduction!
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