Aria Gallery: Feuerman's Shapes of Reality

Diver, 2011. Painted Bronze. 77 x 25 x 11 inches.

Viewing Feuerman’s exhibit Shapes of Reality at Aria Gallery in Florence is the perfect way to spend a summer evening.

The sculptor’s life-size Diver is now on view in the garden at Aria. Diver seeks to capture the motion made by a diver as his body arches, goes backwards, and a ‘C’ shape is formed. This shape represents perseverance and balance as well as the struggle to achieve.

Diver, 2011.

Feuerman sought to accentuate the elegant ‘C’ shape to highlight the beautiful struggle of muscle and body that ensues when a diver pushes themselves past the limits of the ordinary.

As an Artist, Feuerman recognizes the symbol of the diver as a kindred artistic spirit. The Diver is perched on the edge, readying himself for more than just a dive; he is about to create and define his own reality. Feuerman pursues this same bold path with her sculptures.

Also on view at Aria Gallery is Next Summer, Monumental Brooke with Beach Ball, Capri as well as Serena Diamond Dust Shower.

Friends new and old, hungry collectors, delighted first-timers, and eager Press toured the gallery of bewitching swimmers.

All were united by the undulating energy imbued in the sculptures. Feuerman’s passionate dedication to detail is world famous and when given the chance, admirers get as close as possible to revel in these sundry specifics.  

Carole Feuerman in the Age of Trump

Here we are, one year into the Trump presidency. This past Saturday I attended a workshop event connecting different activist groups around the city, and one of the questions that came up in that room of organizers, educators, social workers, and students was this: how can people outside of those professions have a political voice and resist oppression?  I think Carole has been answering that question by taking steps to make the political context of her work explicit.

The size and shape of global culture is always changing, but certain reference points become the markers that define an era.  For many, the election of Donald Trump is the dashboard warning signal telling us the truth about our moment in time and culture.  It’s deceptive: Trump did not birth the world we live in.  However, his ascendancy has made it very difficult to deny that there are deep problems with our social system.  

This recognition of the shortcomings of the global political reality has been one of the biggest shifts in American culture in a long time.  Groups like Black Lives Matter that had been attacked in centrist media despite whatever evidence they have presented in support of their cause are now seen as part of the vanguard of the current movement.  The phrase “me, too” that activist Tarana Burke started using to talk about sexual assault in 2006 finally gained viral popularity in 2017, just months after Trump was elected despite the allegations of sexual harassment made against him.

Many powerful individuals have been called to take action.  As a successful woman in a male-dominated industry, Carole has been conscious of the political context of her pieces throughout her career; however, with this newest era she has been especially ignited.  

This past October in Houston, Carole spoke at the International Women’s Forum’s annual World Leadership Conference.  As part of the Ideas Remaking the World segment of the program she called on the women leaders in attendance to become explicitly engaged in the political world through their work.

Carole Feuerman presenting at the 2017 IWF World Leadership Conference.

In her presentation (full speech available here), Carole highlighted Ai Weiwei, Jenny Holzer, and the Guerilla Girls as artists who have successfully “used their art to bring about change.”  She used that as a starting point to talk about a series of her own pieces and how they have been in dialogue with the political reality that she has been confronted with in her life.  This includes works that specifically responded to the news of the time, like Survival of Serena which was created the year after the Mariel boatlift, as well as others that speak more broadly to the position of women in a misogynistic world that has refused again and again to see or hear them.

Carole told me that getting the chance to speak about the context of her work at the forum was an unusual pleasure for her as an artist that speaks primarily through the pieces themselves.  I can understand that frustration; when you present an art object in a public space, as many of Carole’s pieces are, you know that many people will have the chance to see and think about your work but you’ll never find out what most of those people think, and they certainly won’t engage in your piece in the same way that you did.  Speaking to that crowd of leaders gave Carole a chance to frame her pieces for that audience the way she sees them herself.

Carole talking to the crowd about her piece Chrysalis and the World.

There’s a complicated relationship between an artist, their piece, the context the piece was created in and the context of the viewers seeing that work.  That relationship is the rich tapestry of meaning that an art object is made of, and it is always changing as the elements that make it up change.  The materials age, the political reality shifts, events that were central to a public’s consciousness in one decade are forgotten.  Even further, when we experience an object any part of that tapestry of meaning can be hidden from us.

So you come into a room where you see two life-like sculptures of female figures.  One is from Carole, and one is from John De Andrea who was another hyperrealist artist in the 1970s.  Isn’t it important, even if the sculptures are superficially similar, that De Andrea is representing the female figure as an outsider to her gendered experience and Carole is depicting that figure as an insider?  

The comparison isn’t meant to be a value judgement between those two sculptures.  From an archaeological perspective, they both can say important things about the culture they’re created within.  It’s just important that the stories they tell about that culture might be different from one another.

At the same time as she attended the conference, Carole’s piece Chrysalis was part of a group exhibition at Pen + Brush in New York called King Woman.  Its curator, Mashonda Tifrere, put together a show of women-identified artists whose works demonstrate that women “are capable of being the pinnacle of power and strength.”  With her participation, Carole was asserting that she sees and experiences the norms of womanhood that society imposes upon her and her work.  However, that acknowledgement empowers her to subvert that imposition and define her practice on her own terms.

Carole is building a full calendar of resistance now.  After King Woman ended in December, she sent DurgaMa Buddha to Los Angeles for INTO ACTION.  INTO ACTION is a week long “social justice festival” where in a combination of installations, performances, and workshops artists are trying to “illuminate [their] resistance” and “take back [their] hope.”  

That combination of resistance and hope is what’s more important now than ever.  This Monday was Martin Luther King Day, fifty years now since his assassination.  This week is the one year anniversary of the Global Women’s March and of Donald Trump’s inauguration.  The air is electric, and it feels like there’s no time to waste.  What stories do we need to hear right now?

—Craig Hartl

To read the full text of Carole's speech to the 2017 IWF World Leadership Conference, click here.

Monumental Quan, by Carole Feuerman finds a prestigious new home at the Lotte Palace Hotel

Monumental Quan is proud to announce her new residence for the month of November at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, located directly across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The grand Cathedral creates a beautiful backdrop when viewing Quan. In addition, Rockefeller Center is just a stone’s throw away. She is living the high life at this sumptuous hotel in the heart of Manhattan. http://www.lottenypalace.com

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Monumental Quan, 2012, Bronze & Polished Aluminum. 67 x 70 x 43 inches, with Carole Feuerman

Monumental Quan, a larger than life female figure, rests peacefully atop an impressive stainless steel ball. Quan juxtaposes the courtyard aesthetic nicely, creating a dichotomy between contemporary and historical art. She provides a modern twist to this historic site. However, contemporary Quan does pay homage to traditional Buddhist beliefs. The title of this work is derived from the Chinese name for the 'goddess of compassion'. The name is short for Guanshiyin, which means 'observing the sounds and cries of the world. In Buddhist imagery, the goddess is depicted looking or glancing down, symbolizing her watching over the world. In Feuerman's sculpture, the figure's poise and yoga stance on top of the sphere are a metaphor for the world. Quan quintessentially exudes mental steadiness and emotional stability, calm behavior and judgment—very things the artist herself strives to achieve. 

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Monumental Quan in The Courtyard of the Lotte New York Palace Hotel

The Lotte New York Palace Hotel is recognized for its supreme splendor, spectacular views, and unparalleled services and amenities. The hotel encompasses the historical Villard Mansion as well as a contemporary 55-foot tower. The bridge between these two architectural marvels is The Courtyard which, was the original Madison Ave. carriage entrance of the Villard Mansion. Quan sits amongst the ranks of famous actors and actresses. Television shows including, Law & Order, White Collar, and Gossip Girl shot scenes at the hotel. Furthermore, feature films such as Just My Luck and 27 Dresses filmed scenes in the Courtyard! 

Stop by 455 Madison Avenue on your commute home, or take a break from shopping down Madison Avenue to view this beautiful sculpture. 

Frankfurt Welcomes Feuerman With Solo Exhibition At Galerie Hübner & Hübner

Germany welcomes Carole Feuerman this fall with a solo exhibition at Galerie Hübner & Hübner. Carole’s exhibition will open October 9, 2015 and run through November 11, 2015. Galerie Hübner & Hübner exhibits international and national artists, and resides in the Frankfurt, Rhein Main region. Grueneburgweg 71 D -60323 Frankfurt / Main http://www.galerie-huebner.de/en/exhibitions/current.

Carole Feuerman has been a pioneer in the hyper-realist art movement since its inception in the 1960s and has been perfecting the movement ever since. Feuerman’s solo exhibition provides viewers the opportunity to see Carole’s progression into one of the most influential figures in the hyperrealist movement. The exhibition chronicles Carole’s career, presenting sculptures from her first ever solo exhibition to the present day. For example, Red Tie (1965) a sculpture from Carole’s solo exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas called Rated X, juxtaposes the sweet General’s Twin (2009), featuring a young girl swimmer blossoming into adolescence. 

General's Twin, 2009. Oil on Resin. 24 x 15 x 8 inches.

Beach With Googles, 2011. Oil on Resin. 18 x 12 x 7 inches.

Beach With Goggles (2011) is another youthful swimmer featured in the show. This rosy cheeked girl in a poka-dot suit looks to be relaxing after a long swim. Swimmers have been a main theme throughout Feuerman’s career, therefore, they are prominently represented within the exhibition. Due to the craftsmanship and hyper-realist quality of every sculpture one innately strives to apply a narrative or personality to each piece. For example, one can easily imagine Kendall Island (2014) in her lustrous black cap and sleek crisscross suit resting right after diving practice. 

                 Kendall Island, 2014. Oil on Resin. 70 x 21 x 38 inches.

Even tabletop pieces are quite easy to envision as living figures. A peaceful Miniature Serena (2013) floats along with her inner-tube, as she rests on a tabletop. Meanwhile, Miniature Quan (2013)  precariously balances on a sphere creating a dichotomy between the relaxed swimmer and the pressure being applied to the sphere. Furthermore, it is a representation of the Buddhist goddess Quan and her burden of protecting the world. Their is a feeling of power, presence, and strength reflected in the emotion and youthful quality in each piece, a sense that frequently flickers and fades with age. Malibu (2012) a young swimmer featured in the exhibit can easily be seen effortlessly ‘breaking through’ the water. Where do readers imagine Carole’s sculptures?

Miniature Serena, 2013. Oil on Resin. 10 x 17 x 8 inches.

Miniature Quan, 2013. Oil on Resin. 26 x 16 x 7 inches. 

Malibu, 2012. Oil on Resin. 26 x 16 x 7 inches. 

To learn more about Carole Feuerman and watch videos of her working, please visit http://www.carolefeuerman.com and http://www.carolefeuerman.com/videos-carole-and-her-work/.

Swimmer Sculpture Spotted in Chelsea

As a slew of gallery openings ensued in Chelsea last week I found myself caught in a cold and gloomy downpour. While walking briskly down 10th Avenue through the pouring rain I spotted Miniature Balance illuminated in the window of Jim Kempner Fine Art. Unaffected by the torrential rain in her sleek black swimsuit and glistening Swarovski crystal cap, she effortlessly caught the eye of many passersby’s. Looking serene and tranquil Miniature Balance acted as a ray of sunshine and warmth on a dreary night. With closed eyes and relaxed features Miniature Balance became a comfort and reminder that a little water never hurt anyone, even when caught in the rain sans umbrella.

Miniature Balance (Swarovski Cap), 2014. Oil on Resin. 18 x 16 x 9 inches.

While viewing Miniature Balance, I couldn’t help but think how life-like she seemed to me. It is very easy to catch yourself believing Carole’s sculptures are people at first glance, which is a result of the level of craftsmanship within every artwork. Each sculpture is meticulously rendered with every vein, eyelash, and water drop expertly placed. In many instances I have found myself having to do a double take when passing one of Carole’s swimmer’s. Additionally, they are always very inviting, enticing you to come closer and examine the artistry and detail within every piece. Miniature Balance piqued my interest, making me want to know the inspiration, thought process, and technique behind the piece. I am wondering what questions or thoughts readers have when viewing Miniature Balance? 

With fall rapidly approaching Carole Feuerman’s swimmer’s become welcomed reminders of hot weather and summer fun. If you desire a few last remnants of summer, be sure to visit Carole’s show in the Hamptons at Nicole Ripka Gallery (760 Montauk Hwy Water Mill, New York 11976) through October 19th, 2015. 

Venice Biennale 2015: Feuerman's Swimmers sponsored by Global Arts Foundation on view through November

Leda and the Swan, 2014. Oil on Resin with 24K Gold Leaf Swarovski Crystal. 42 x 80 x 90 inches.

The City of Venice can breathe a sigh of relief. The whirlwind opening ceremonies of the 2015 Venice Biennale have past. Venice has survived the tidal wave of art freaks, geeks, sleeks, and elites.

However, while the Biennale’s most trafficked period is over, its exhibitions will run through November and there is plenty of art yet to explore for visitors.

DurgaMa, 2014. Painted Bronze. 101 x 90 x 91 inches.

Carole Feuerman’s monumental works DurgaMa and Leda and the Swan are on view in front of Palazzo Mora and were sponsored by the Global Arts Foundation. The response to her work this summer was a blend of romanticized ecstasy and serious-minded zeal.

People’s overwhelming infatuation with Leda and the Swan resulted in a spontaneous romance between the crowd and the sculpture.

Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Serenaaquaro.

In a highly politicized and darker themed Biennale, Feuerman’s sculptures inspired genuine and fruitful emotions. Both pieces projected serenity and strove to perpetuate an elevated, nourishing atmosphere.

The vanished fanfare of gala parties and PR forced feedings allows time to reflect and digest.

Photo courtesy of Instagram user: bettio.

 This year’s curator, Okwui Enwezor, proclaimed that it was “the right of every artist to strike such a stance of radical refusal,” to “the noise, pollution, dust, and decay” of the world. Feuerman’s work and the response it received, speaks to her successful emphasis on humanity’s finer points.

“Through my sculptures, I explore classicism and beauty, which are subjects that have been taboo in contemporary art. There is a conditioned, yet inaccurate, belief that "good" radical art has to reject something that is attractive and pleasing to the eye.” 

FEUERMAN'S ART TRANSFORMS HARBOUR CITY WATERFRONT OF HONG KONG

JUNE 18TH - JULY 5TH 

The forecourt of Harbour City Hong Kong is going to be transformed into a swimming pool for summer, and will feature six sculptures by world renowned artist Carole A. Feuerman.  The show, organized by Art in the City at Harbour City, opens on June 18th and runs through July 5th.  The sculptures will be on view daily from 10am till 10pm.

Feuerman's monumental sculpture Brooke With Beach Ball

Harbour City is located on the spectacular Victoria Harbour, one of the busiest spots in Hong Kong, and right next to the famous Star Ferry terminal! Feuerman's six sculptures will be exhibited in a swimming pool constructed specifically for Feuerman’s swimmers solo show. Water will be coupled with interactive technology to complete the elegant illusion. Olympus, Lauren Perdue will be one of Feuerman's sculptures featured on the waterfront. Watch the video to see the behind-the-scenes:

Feuerman Sculpts USA Olympic Gold Medalist Lauren Perdue

Exhibition Blue Print

Harbour City receives 222,000 visitors daily. It is a must visit destination for locals and tourists alike. All of Harbour’s events are free admission and non-commercial. They are striving to inject art into the community and act as a bridge between artists and the public.

Harbour City sought out Feuerman’s work because her Swimmers live forever in perpetual summer. Their presence will be a catalyst for people to relish the season and revel in the fact that summer is back! Choosing to exhibit Feuerman’s sculptures in heavily trafficked areas will encourage people to interact with the pieces and feel the warmth and excitement that they radiate.

Art in the City’s mission is to raise public awareness and promote art through media. They hope to educate the younger generation as well as the entire community about artistic expression through the experience of public exhibitions.

The Golden Mean, 2012. Bronze and 24K Gold Leaf. 150 x 54 x 38 inches.

Harbour City has held five mega public art and cultural exhibitions since 2007. Among them was Ms. Yayoi Kusama’s ebullient solo show: “Dots Obsession, Soul of Pumpkin” as well as Florentijn Hofman’s wildly successful “Rubber Duck”, which drew thousands of admirers along the Harbour front.

Rubber Duck, 2013.

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Harbour City offers luxury shopping and dining experiences unlike any other in the world. It stretches for 2 million square feet running parallel with the glorious Victoria Harbour. Its “Star” Ferry pier was named one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime” by the National Geographic Traveller.

Harbour City has become a beacon of the arts. Art in the City has organized musical performances every weekend since 2001. They’ve also dedicated themselves to collecting art pieces from all over the world and exhibiting them throughout the complex.

As a premier destination for people seeking culture and creativity, Harbour City is endeavoring to be associated with the world’s most innovative and talented artists.

Monumental Brooke with Beach Ball, 2011. Oil on Resin. 45 x 60 x 43 inches.

Harbour City called on Feuerman to usher in heightened artistic interaction on a personal level for everyday viewers. Her sculptures are magnets for the eye and transformative for any public atmosphere. 

After the Hong Kong show, the sculptures will be exhibited in the Daejeon Museum of Art in South Korea, then travel to a museum in Seoul and on to Taiwan.

Monumental Quan, 2012. Oil on bronze. 67 x 60 x 43 inches.

Recently back from Italy where her two new sculptures are being exhibited in the 2015 Venice Biennale by GAAF, Personal Structures, Feuerman is passionately enthusiastic about exhibiting in Hong Kong. 

Her sculptures will enhance the environment and leave an enduring legacy of joy and beauty in this magnificent public space.

Kendall Island, 2014. Oil on Resin. 70 x 21 x 38 inches.

Carole Feuerman's 2015 IS Day Open Studio Rocked & MANA Lobby Exhibition Happpening Now!

The White Stripes’ music blasted through speakers from Mana’s fourth floor café directly across from Carole Feuerman’s open IS Day studio.

Jack White’s howling guitar was the perfect opening serenade for the chorus of Carole’s sculptures basking in hyper-real, pulse racing resurrection.

During International Sculpture Day at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, Carole’s Studio was a phantasmagoria of hyper-real shimmering swimmers in prime condition and polished to perfection.  

Free refreshments were served and the crowd gathered to get up close, ultra-access to see Carole’s glowing, sculpted, bodies that flawlessly mirror the human form.

Nude Coming Through the Wall, 1991. Oil on Resin. 58 x 15 x 5 inches.

Christina, 2014. Oil on Resin. 72 x 19 x 14 inches.

There are certain calendar events that you would kick yourself for missing. Carole’s IS Day celebration at MANA Contemporary was definitely one of those happenings and people knew it. Many took off work, while others drove in from out of state!

Mana Café across from CF's studio.

If you were at the event and found yourself talking to one of Carole’s hyper-realistic sculptures by accident, don’t worry you’re not alone. One gentleman even humorously confessed his feelings for a sculpture as he took a photo, “You don’t have eyes, but I love you.”

City Slicker, 2013. Painted Bronze. 63 x 35 x 28 inches.

Butterfly, 2008. Oil on Resin. 21 x 22.5 x 21 inches.

Mana Contemporary is a cultural center in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Opened in May 2011, the center provides services, spaces, and programming for artists, collectors, curators, performers, students, and community. It is conveniently located at 888 Newark Ave, Jersey City.

Once an old Tobacco Factory, the massive space has been turned into a beacon of artistic excellence that beckons all to explore its labyrinth of bold works.

Mana, 2015.

Mana champions sculpture and on IS Day there were over a hundred artist studios open to the public! This free event drew loads of people and as they came through Mana’s doors they were immediately immersed in Carole Feuerman's Lobby Exhibition!

Carole’s Sculptures including, Kendall Island, Next Summer, Diver, and Mona Lisa are the perfect introduction to MANA!

Her dedicated efforts, visible in every hyper-real detail, speak to the aesthetic exertions of her fellow impassioned legions of artists at Mana Contemporary. The building is united in diverse, active creating.

Carole is excited that her Swimmers are on display at her second studio home and will act as welcoming beacons!

Carole’s Sculptures including: Kendall Island, Next Summer, Diver, and Mona Lisa.

Next Summer, 2012. Oil on Resin. 39 x 54 x 50 inches.

Monumental Brooke with Beach Ball, 2013. Oil on Bronze. 42 x 60 x 45 inches.

Kendall Island, 2014. Oil on Resin. 70 x 21 x 38 inches.

 Carole's newest innovation is Kendall's elevated diving board pedestal.

She was inspired after seeing Kendall Island installed on a custom made six foot pedestal in New Orleans as part of the year long Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibit.

Kendall’s elevation was especially compelling and Carole wanted to give her that same engaging presence at Mana.

The Lobby Exhibition will run through July.

Diver, 2011. Oil on Bronze. 77 x 25 x 11 inches.