'Balance' Exhibiting at Cavalier Gallery

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's painted resin swimmer 'Balance' is currently on display at Cavalier Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut.  Titled 'Contemporary Realism,' this exhibition runs the gamut of current artists working in the photo- and hyperreal realm of representation. The show seeks to contextualize modern artist's takes on Realism, situating its aims within the larger historical scope of of the practice. 

Balance, 2013- oil on resin

Since opening on October 23, the group show has garnered attention from the Greenwich Post, receiving a praising writeup on its offerings last week.  Carole's piece was particularly listed as standout sculpture, being named the exemplar of realistic representation within the show.

Cavalier Gallery is located at 405 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut.  Be sure to take in the show yourself before its November 16 conclusion.

If you have already been to the show, what are your thoughts? Post to the comment bar below or directly contact info@carolefeuerman.com with your opinion. 

Tree

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's 'Tree' invests the human form with refreshing simplicity and innocent purity.  Delicately posed with a downward gaze, the figure emanates a coy comfortability in her state of exposure.  Her slender frame and dainty features imply both a gentle nature and physical youth.

'Tree with Leaves', 2011

Oil on Resin Sculpture with Interactive Projection, Dimensions Variable, Private Collection

The swim cap upon her head is green and leafy, purposing itself as an organic adornment in place of its usual utility role. The tree stump beneath the figure reinforces the naturalistic theme while serving as a pedestal.  Tying the piece together is the multicolor digital projection of leaves onto the surface.  This mechanism adds a layer of complexity to the work, as it fuses a classic form of artmaking with new media. This sculpture floats between dreamlike and realist, innocence and confidence... which, in turn, is truly ideal.

Focused Ambition

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's 'Hannah' goes off the beaten path of the other resin swimmers, preferring athletic competition over leisurely floating.  Adorned with an 'Olympic Cascade Aquatics' swim cap and a purple-strapped suit, the sculpture bears a solemn countenance of focused ambition.

'Hannah', 2014

Oil on Resin, 12 x 14 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist

This sculpture's purpose is not simply to look beautiful or stand as a muse.  'Hannah' embodies dedication and preparation, athletic prowess and power.  The figure emulates qualities much like her creator, a tenacious woman aiming straight for the top of her game.  Consider 'Hannah' as ode to anyone with the grit and focus of an olympic competitor, regardless of their occupation.

Showing Promise

by Kelsey Zalimeni

With Spring in full bloom, there's no better time to consider a work like "Monumental Cocoon."  Like a burgeoning butterfly ready to burst from its safe haven, this gigantic marble figure lies powerfully in wait. Here the fetal position loses its typical connotation of infantile weakness. Instead, the pose reflects dormant potential, a showing of promise.

"Monumental Cocoon", 2010

Marble, 40 x 80 x 42 inches, Waterfall Gallery & Mansion, New York, NY

As a figure made of marble, "Cocoon" is in dialogue with Classical sculpture, the most lauded artform within the hierarchy of genres.  The pose is neither upright nor heroic, yet it still conveys a sense of power and authority. Her smoothly rendered countenance shows peace and contentment.  

"Monumental Cocoon", (detail) 2010

Marble, 40 x 80 x 42 inches, Waterfall Gallery & Mansion, New York, NY

This piece can be seen as an allegorical device through which the artist comments on her own potential. Despite her established career, Carole still sees herself on the verge of that critical bloom.  This mindset is what makes creators great, what keeps them pushing for growth and constant innovation.

Infinity

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman's striking "Infinity" swimmers are suspended from the ceiling, floating weightless within a silver ring. The title suggests both the timeless quality of the piece and the literal symbol of the circle, an infinite shape. Grace and poise emanate from the sculpture despite the difficult pose of the model.  Humans may not live forever, but these hyperreal castings create a surrogate through which immortality is achieved. 

"Infinity", 2012

Oil on Resin with Polished Stainless Steel, 37 x 37 x 21 inches, Collection of the artist

The decadent Swarovski cap lends a lavish element to the luxurious swimmer, hinting at ideals of success and leisure.  Her posture within the ring is acrobatic yet effortless, a combination that most can only aspire to.  

"Infinity", 2014

Oil on Resin with Polished Stainless Steel, 37 x 37 x 21 inches, courtesy of Jim Kempner Fine Art

What a feat, to defy time and gravity... to sit quietly in stasis without fear of aging or falling.  The "Infinity" swimmer accomplishes this, leaving us to wonder if we, too can reach such a state.

Sand Cast Bronze: Madonna and Magda

by Kelsey Zalimeni

Carole Feuerman first gained notoriety for her pristine hyperreal swimmers.  Since establishing herself as a master of painted resin, she has expanded her repertoire and forged ahead to new types of media. One fantastic direction Carole has taken is to sand cast bronze, of which she has made numerous gorgeous impressions of the human body.

Madonna, 2002

Bronze, 31 x 16 x 5 inches, Private collection

The chance marks of the cast sand form a lacy, luxurious pattern across the surface.  The patina finish provides a striking color palette which radiates a most alluring glow.  The piece retains immense detail in certain areas without sacrificing its gestural beauty. An aesthetic such as this is a tough balance to strike, but successfully met in these works.

Madonna (rear), 2002

Bronze, 31 x 14 x 8 inches, Private collection

Magda II, 2008

Bronze, 32 x 26 x 11 inches, Collection of the artist

Carole's sand cast bronzes of Magda and Madonna celebrate the human form and its natural beauty.  The randomized patterning on the surface reminds us that we humans are in fact of the Earth, a wondrous product of chance.  The sculptures seem to be emerging or even born from the clay, reconnecting us to our primal essence. 

Magda I, 2008

Bronze, 37 x 22 x 11 inches, Private collection

This short video below has captured Carole painting with fire, creating these bronze masterpieces.