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.” 

From Carole: See You In Miami!

by Kelsey Zalimeni, images by David Brown

It's that time of year again- Art Basel Miami Beach is in full swing this week.  Fresh off landing from a previous trip, Carole has packed her bags to hit South Beach today.  She is in for quite possibly the busiest week of her year, with works featuring at nine different venues... yes, nine! The following sites will contain pieces by Carole: Miami Projects, Art Miami, Context Miami, Scope Miami, Mana Miami, GLE at Mana, Red Dot Art Fair, and Wynwood Space.  

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Despite her manic schedule for Miami, Carole wants everyone to feel welcome to spot and approach her throughout the week.  

She will be donning her distinct jacket (pictured above) so that anyone who wishes to introduce themselves and ask questions can do just that.  Keep an eye out for that blue and black print, and don't be shy about saying hello! 

You can also give Carole a shout on Twitter this week- tweet @CaroleFeuerman with a comment or tagged image of her works around the fairs.  

In-Depth: Shower Installation

by Kelsey Zalimeni

'Monumental Shower with Video' combines Carole Feuerman's hyperreal sculpting prowess with cutting edge digital art.  The piece plays with perspective and spatial reasoning, using a looped video to bring the painted resin to life.  The two parts of the piece rely upon one another for activation; the trunk aligns perfectly with the digital lower half, creating the wondrous illusion of movement. From the viewer's vantage point, the showering woman comes to life instantly.  

'Monumental Shower with Video', 2010

Oil on Resin, TV, Video 51 x 48 x 29 inches, Private Collection

This hybrid installation features Carole's paramount themes- water, the human form, balance, and serenity.  The bather relishes in the splendor of her shower, inviting viewers to do the same. Included below is a short video of the piece:

This piece was shown in Feuerman's exhibition titled Earth Water Air Fire at the El Paso Museum of Art.

What are your thoughts on this innovative piece? Share comments and questions with info@carolefeuerman.com or below in the comment bar.

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.

A Monumental Statement

by Kelsey Zalimeni

As a successful female artist, Carole Feuerman stands as a model figure for younger aspiring women of all concentrations and career paths.  A large part of Carole's success can be attributed to her unwavering persistence and work ethic. These traits along with her natural artistic talent make for an unstoppable combination. In line with her character, a strong theme in Carole's works is indeed that of feminine power and strength, as can best be seen in a piece like 'Grande Catalina,' a monumental female bust which stands proudly at five feet tall.

'Grande Catalina' emerges from her hanging place, as though the wall were the surface of a swimming pool. With eyes closed and head tilted back, Catalina is in a state of total serenity and contentment. Her straightforward orientation reflects idyllic confidence and feminine strength. Towering over the viewer, the piece is rather imposing despite the lack of any violent gestures or expressions.

Carole spent countless hours perfecting the painted surface of this cast resin piece, a true testament to her diligence and mastery of her craft. However, no matter how great her accomplishments may be, Carole will be the first to say that her development is nowhere near complete. She is constantly working to expand and improve with each piece she produces. A truly great artist is always looking to outdo themselves, and Carole continues to do just that.