The Spirit of Sport

by Kelsey Zalimeni

With the World Cup kicking off this week, spirits and anticipation run high all over the globe. In light of all the excitement, what better work to consider than Carole Feuerman's 'Lauren Perdue,' a full-body resin cast of the young Olympic athlete.  Now, of course swimming and soccer aren't nearly the same activity. However, the key traits of a top competitor- passion, discipline, and drive- are common amongst champions of any sport. As a portrait, 'Lauren Perdue' honors the incredible career of an Olympic athlete.  Expanded to a larger metaphor, this piece reflects the ability of athletic events like the Olympics and World Cup to unite nations across the globe in the spirit of sport. 

'Lauren Perdue', 2013- oil on resin

Although the figure is shown at rest, this does not imply any sort of complacency or defeat.  Her countenance and symmetrical pose speak to balance and focus, as viewers catch the determined competitor in a moment of silent preparation.  The display choice puts the piece fully into context, surrounding Lauren by her natural habitat, her sanctuary, her racing lane.  All who encounter this sculpture are reminded of the purity of sport, invited to be lost in admiration of our human capabilities.

Watch this short feature on Carole's process with 'Lauren Perdue'-

Perdue visited Feuerman's studio in Manhattan to pose for a new sculpture that just debuted at Mana Contemporary on September 29, 2013 as part of an outdoor installation of Feuerman's work. Carole A. Feuerman is a world-renowned hyperrealist sculptor most known for her series of swimmers and bathers which she began in the late 70s. Among the notable honors she has received are the Lorenzo de Medici Prize, first prizes at the Austrian Biennale and the Florence Biennale, Best in Show at the 2008 Beijing Biennale, and first prize at the 2008 Beijing Olympics Fine Art Exhibition. Lauren was a member of the 2012 United States Olympic team, and earned a gold medal as a member of the winning U.S. team in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. For more information on the artist and her upcoming exhibitions, please visit http://carolefeuerman.com. Video by Alvaro Corzo - http://Corzo360.com

Visit Lauren Perdue's Team USA page HERE.