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.” 

Carole A. Feuerman Joins A-Lister 'Swanning' Trend

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

Feuerman and the likes of Taylor Swift and the Kardashians have Swan Fever. The hyper-realistic sculptor joins A-listers in celebrating a giant 7 foot long inflatable white swan.

Sales of the swan have skyrocketed and over 40,000 were sold this year alone. It has become the obligatory summer photo prop for Swift, Calvin Harris and a myriad of other limelighters.

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris. Courtesy of Taylor Swift's Instagram.

Long before the inflatable Swan started making the rounds on the celebrity Instagram circuit - Feuerman took ‘Swanning’ to a whole new level and handcrafted and sculpted the Swan for her piece: Leda and the Swan in 2014.

Palazzo Mora, 2015.

The sculpture was featured in this year’s premier art event: The Venice Biennale. Feuerman’s show Personal Structures at Palazzo Mora was a huge success and crowds gathered to gape at the Swan. The sign that read “Do Not Touch” on the sculpture was interpreted as “Please poke, kiss, and sit on me” because people couldn’t get enough of the huge white bird.

Feuerman loves that Swanning has crossed the Atlantic!

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.

Carole Feuerman in Italy: Aria Gallery Show and the 2015 Venice Biennale!

Longtime friend to Carole A. Feuerman, Gianluca Bisol recently visited Carole’s NYC and New Jersey studios and was delighted to see new works as well as classic favorites! 

Mr. Bisol is the President & CEO of the company that bears his family's name. Bisol has been producing world famous Prosecco wines since 1875.

Gianluca has been a passionate sponsor of several of Carole's exhibitions including: exhibitions held at the Moretti Gallery, Jim Kempner Fine Art, and past Venice Biennales to name a few.

Infinity, 2013. Oil on Resin with Stainless Steel and Swarovski Crystals. 38 H x 37 W x 21 D inches.

Gianluca Bisol is generously and enthusiastically sponsoring both of Carole’s upcoming exhibitions in Italy:  Shapes of Reality at Aria Gallery in Florence as well as Time-Space-Existence presented by Personal Structures by Global Art Affairs, as part of the 2015 Venice Biennale!

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

Carole’s Solo Show “Shapes of Reality” will be on view at The Aria Gallery in Florence from May 1st to June 20th.

Aria’s spaces are located at Borgo SS Apostoli 40r - Florence!

Curator Antonio D’Amico writes, “Feuerman shapes the soul of sculptures.” The Aria Gallery show reflects Carole’s return to the ideals of the Renaissance as she examines the exquisite elegance hidden behind each shape of the human body.

She celebrates the human form by capturing emotions and gestures. D’Amico advocates the notion that Carole’s superb hyper-realism is so successful that she has “become a competitor against nature.”

The great news is that the Florence Gallery is only a short train ride away from the Venice Biennale! Over 300,000 people will attend the Venice Biennale. If you’re one of those lucky attendees on vacation in Italy, I urge you to try and catch both of Carole’s shows!

Carole has been invited again to take part in the Venice Biennale, which is often dubbed “the Olympics of the art world”. Her monumental works DurgaMa and Leda and the Swan are part of the 2015 exhibit: Time –Space-Existence presented by Personal Structures by Global Art Affairs running from May 9th through November 22, 2015 in Palazzo Mora. Her selections for this year draw on the themes of birth/rebirth and existence. 

 

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

Leda and the Swan draws on mythical context. It is based on the Greek myth in which Zeus, disguised as a swan, seduces Leda, resulting in the birth of Helen of Troy. The reclining female figure drapes her relaxed body across the back of the inflatable swan in an elegant curve that moves from the swan’s neck to its tail.

She is simultaneously strong and serene in a vintage women’s bathing suit and swim cap. When the Swan left Carole’s NYC studio the combined weight of the sculpture and its crate was over 1,000 pounds!

DurgaMa, 2014. Painted Bronze. 101 H x 90 W x 91 D inches.

DurgaMa is an ascending beauty that represents the cycles of existence. The lotus symbolizes rebirth and spiritual awakening. The meditative figure sitting atop the opened lotus flower speaks to the purity of the artist’s inner vision.

The lotus’ strong stem carries it up to twelve inches above dirty water to bloom. It represents the soul’s journey from the mud of materialism to the radiant light of enlightenment.  DurgaMa basks in that light.

 

Matteo, 2008. 19 H x 20 W x 10 D

Carole and Gianluca have a long standing bond that has brought them together to celebrate fine art and fine wine many times at Feuerman’s exhibitions. Their collaborations began with the 2007 Venice Biennale when Carol unveiled her famous Survival of Serena at Paradiso in Giardini. 

Survival of Serena, 2007. Oil on Bronze. 38 H x 84 W x 32 D.

Feuerman fondly recalls, sitting at her table by the entrance to Paradiso and watching the already swollen lines to view the piece, grow even larger.

In a serendipitous twist, as the guests at the table began to introduce themselves, Gianluca explained that he sponsored the exhibition for an artist named Carole Feuerman. Carole excitedly confessed that she was in fact the artist and they have been friends ever since!

The wine connoisseur’s family owned Bisol has a vineyard with 16 different sites with a myriad of varying soils and microclimates, which helps them bottle their own distinct brand of perfection: 

“Our philosophy is to express the freshness and flavor of Prosecco” says, Export Director Giovanni Oliva.

 

PALAZZO MORA

 OPEN DAILY 10.00 - 18.00 HRS.
CLOSED ON TUESDAY

Strada Nuova #3659 Venezia, Italy

 

DURING THE VENICE ART BIENNALE 2015

PERSONAL STRUCTURES

Palazzo Bembo & Palazzo Mora

Venice, Italy

 9 May until 22 November 2015   (Pre-View 7 and 8 May 2015)

 

The exhibition is organized by:

 Sarah Gold, Karlyn De Jongh, Valeria Romagnini, Rachele De Stefano,

Anna De Stefano, Jaspal Birdi, Lucia Pedrana and Rene Rietmeyer. 

Latest book Publication:

PERSONAL STRUCTURES: TIME - SPACE - EXISTENCE #2

 

Next Art Project Publications:

YOKO ONO: ARISING

herman de vries: being this joy experience unity

 

Current exhibition:

TIME-SPACE-EXISTENCE

14th International Architecture Exhibition, the Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy

 

7 June - 23 November 2015.

 

KIAF 2014: Serena

by Kelsey Zalimeni

The 2014 Korean International Art Fair (KIAF) opened yesterday in Seoul at the COEX Hall.  This particular fair boasts their mission to revive the Asian art market by featuring top contemporary artists from around the world.  This year, Carole Feuerman's 'Miniature Serena' is featured at the Galerie Klose booth (Hall A, booth A61).  

'Miniature Serena' 2014- oil on resin

Galerie Klose is based in Essen, Germany- a long but worthy trek to Seoul for this world-class exhibition. KIAF 2014 runs through Monday, September 29.  Keep up to date on the fair's activity by browsing their site, HERE.

Beacon of Bliss

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Between her cheerful yellow raincoat and content countenance, 'New York City Slicker' could be called a beacon of bliss.  This painted bronze serves a public purpose in both its presence and message, beautifying its installation site while inspiring goodwill and happiness amongst viewers.  

New York City Slicker, 2013

Painted Bronze, 63 x 35 x 28 inches, Mana Contemporary Art Center

The sheer mass of the piece commands attention, standing five feet and three inches from the equally tall concrete podium. Although it towers above any passersby, the figure does not intimidate or impose but rather invites further inspection through its pleasant palette and beautiful details.  'New York City Slicker' was first debuted at Mana Contemporary Art Center in 2013, where it quickly became a crowd favorite. Wherever the piece goes next, happiness is sure to follow.

Carole's Picks: John Clement

by Kelsey Zalimeni

It's time again for the monthly edition of Carole's Picks.  July's featured artist is John Clement, a minimalist sculptor specializing in large-scale public works.  Clement's interlocking coils of steel create a dynamic, centrifugal energy that draws viewers into the work while safely providing sections to sit, lean or stand on.  The pieces are titled after the objects that inspired them, such as the select works shown below: 'Tusk', 'Squirt' and 'Orange Blossom'.

Clement creates these sculptures with intent to offer viewers multiple options for encounter- some enjoy quiet reflection, others gather round for social rituals, and still more take the opportunity for spatial investigation.  The versatility of the work and the intersubjectivity of its experience make for a durable relevance across the ages. 

View John Clement's Sculpture.org profile here.

Francesca

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman has established a certain signature style of sculpture that conveys balance, peace, and the natural beauty of the human body.  'Francesca' evokes these qualities, but also branches into ideals of solitude and contemplation.  Seemingly locked in a state of endless meditation, the figure brings out a more solemn side to Carole's expressions.  

'Francesca', 2008-2011

Oil on Resin, 35 x 18.5 x 9 inches, Private collection

Her hands are clasped behind her back, but her posture is relaxed.  While viewers aren't privy to her exact thoughts, one might imagine the swimmer is lost in a daydream or  simply resting after a rigorous pool workout.  Her aura is both cool and positive, focused but free of worry.  This pensive figure is surely a unique feature within Carole's oeuvre- a little different, but in line with the artist's ethos.