Paul Rousso Martian Stalagmite For Sale

About this work

Paul Rousso has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary sculpture, known for his exploration of flat cultural artifacts transformed into dimensional objects that challenge perceptions of value, memory, and material culture. Working from his Charlotte studio, Rousso has developed a signature process involving hand-sculpted thermoplastic polyester, which he manipulates and paints to create works that appear crumpled, folded, and frozen in states of transformation. His pieces reside in prominent collections worldwide and have demonstrated consistent demand in both primary and secondary markets. Martian Stalagmite represents a compelling evolution in Rousso's practice, moving beyond his well-known currency and candy wrapper subjects into territory that suggests geological formation and extraterrestrial landscape. The title itself evokes natural processes occurring over millennia, yet the work is unmistakably synthetic—a tension that sits at the core of Rousso's conceptual framework. At over six feet in height with a substantial six-inch depth, the piece commands physical presence while maintaining the artist's characteristic interplay between surface and form. The acrylic paint application on the sculpted substrate creates chromatic variations that shift with viewing angle and light conditions, reinforcing the work's dimensional complexity. Created in 2025, this work demonstrates Rousso's continued investigation into how three-dimensional manipulation of ostensibly flat materials can generate new meaning and visual experience. The scale and ambition of Martian Stalagmite position it as a significant addition to any collection focused on contemporary American sculpture. For acquisition inquiries, please contact Guy Hepner, New York.