Alexandra Rose is an intermedia artist whose creative process is a therapeutic ritual exploring themes of loss, growth, change, and the perpetual evolution of the authentic self. Their practice is rooted in the visual connotations of materials, personal intuition, and the physical act of labor. Through different processes, and their material requirements/restraints, Rose creates dialogue, communicates personal emotions that imitate contemporary issues, and makes space for transformation through reflection.
While Rose's work spans various disciplines, they have found themselves drawn to metal in sculpture and photography, captivated by the transformative qualities inherent in these processes. The interplay of positive and negative within mold-making and photo development holds a particular fascination, embodying a balance of control and surrender that resonates deeply with the artist. Rose is interested in the metal's capacity for metamorphosis—from rigid to soft, invisible to visible, fluid to hardened—and relates to this material’s duality as a genderfluid maker.
Their artworks often center on the body as a vessel for understanding life's experiences, whether through representational depictions or objects evocative of bodily forms. Embedded within these physical manifestations is Rose's exploration of their own identity as a queer, gender-fluid individual shaped by a feminine upbringing, navigating spaces where their presence has historically been marginalized. As a maker, Rose challenges preconceptions about who engages with metalwork, carving out space for others to follow. Their work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating the transformative power of self-expression and reflection in shaping narratives of identity and belonging.
As of 2022, Rose is an Artist-in-Residence at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, AL. From 2019 to 2021, they worked for Artworks Foundry as the Production Assistant which included; being the mold librarian, a wax chaser/pourer, a part of the bronze pouring team, a ceramic shell technician, a mold maker, and a general laborer on other special projects. In 2021 they also worked at The Crucible in Oakland, CA as the mold-making and foundry TA. During the summer of 2021, they completed a month-long internship at Sculpture Trails, where they installed Stripped in the Outdoor Museum’s collection. Rose served on the 2021 Steering Committee for the National Conference for Cast Iron Art and Practices, co-organizing panels and presentations. In 2019, they received their Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Institute of American Indian Arts where they majored in studio arts with an emphasis on bronze casting and historical chemical darkroom photography.