Dean Millien’s Aluminum-Foil Animal World
A highlight of “Greater New York” at MoMA PS1, the artist’s remarkable sculptures made from the humble household material continue a practice he began as a child in Brooklyn.
Upon stepping into Dean Millien's spacious studio in Bushwick, the first sight was an array of his aluminum foil animal sculptures. The artist was engrossed in viewing a Marcel Duchamp interview on his laptop. Millien explained his fascination with Duchamp's work, citing his recent visit to the Museum of Modern Art's retrospective as a source of inspiration. He emphasized that great artists provide him with insight into his own artistic growth, and that seeing how others have evolved over time is helpful to him.
While Millien's journey as an artist may differ from well-known figures like Duchamp, his recent recognition in MoMA PS1's Greater New York demonstrates that the drive to create art is universal, not confined to commercial art circles. What particularly stood out during my meeting with Millien was his lack of pretension. He is motivated by an innate desire to continually improve his practice, blending influences from art history with his personal instincts.
Born in Brooklyn in 1972 to Haitian immigrant parents, Millien's connection to art dates back to his childhood.
The toys and television shows of his youth were his primary sources of inspiration. Although Millien's father discarded all of his toys, this loss became a significant part of his creative development. It led him to create his own toys, initially from simple materials such as sponges and paper. However, his preferred medium remained aluminum foil, a common household item for its robustness and accessibility. This material choice has been constant throughout his artistic journey.
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