by Kelsey Zalimeni
The majority of swimmers that Carole Feuerman sculpts are female. This choice widely reads as the artist's effort to represent the female form in a way that glorifies the figure without objectifying it. By investing the female form with a dignified, heroic essence, Feuerman has removed the Classical notions of feminine depiction, with woman as 'object of desire.' Knowing this, what do we make of the select male figures within Carole's oeuvre? Instead of viewing them as arbitrary or opposite to her ethos, Carole's male swimmers can be seen as a necessary presence, 'in the mix.'
'Matteo', 2008-2011- Oil on Resin, 19 x 20 x 10 inches, Collection of the artist
'In the mix' simply implies the egalitarian mindset of Carole as an artist; a conscious effort to include the male figure amongst her many female sculptures. She takes the same care and effort to the rendering of her male subjects, achieving looks of meditation and gentleness without them appearing effeminate.
'Diver', 2014 - Bronze, 77 x 25 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist
Carole shows that her cornerstone values of peace, balance and strength are shared traits amongst both genders. Rendering both male and female subjects keeps Carole's message relevant and coherent, free of the pigeonhole label of feminist art.
'Butterfly', 2008-2011, Oil on Resin, 21 x 22.5 x 21"- Oil on Resin, 21 x 22.5 x 21 inches, Private Collection