Robert Mertens

Robert Mertens serves as an Associate Professor and Fibers Area Head within the School of Art, Design and Art History at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. His academic position combines teaching responsibilities with active artistic practice that bridges traditional craft techniques and contemporary technological approaches.

Mertens' research centers on the intersections between technology, religion, science and myth, manifesting in hybrid sculptures and installations that combine traditional fibers craft with new media elements. His practice explores concepts related to fragmentation, spirituality, repetition, pattern, interconnection, and the meaning found in craft processes. He frequently employs traditional techniques such as weaving, felting, quilting and hand embroidery alongside advanced prototyping technologies including laser-cutting, digital fabric printing, and digital Jacquard hand weaving.

His recent artistic output demonstrates a consistent exploration of the relationship between electricity, handcraft, and temporal patterns. Major works like Recollecting Time (2017-18) and Broken Conduit Theory and Parasitic Sounds (2020) exemplify his interest in combining electrical elements with textile structures to examine humanity's changing relationship to technology. His 2025 recognition as a Trawick Prize finalist underscores the significance of his contributions to contemporary fiber art.

• Trawick Prize Finalist 2025

Mertens has established multiple artist residencies and galleries including the Modular Project Space in Virginia, the 543 Artist Residency and Le Toilette Gallery in Oregon, and the Weaving Room Recording Studio in Chicago. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions including 'Extreme Fibers,' 'High Fiber Diet Biennial,' and 'Fibre Men' in Ukraine, demonstrating his international recognition within the fiber art community.