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'-
Visit Lauren Perdue's Team USA page HERE.
Carole A. Feuerman
Carole A. Feuerman is an American sculptor and author working in Superrealism. She is credited with starting the movement in the late 1970s. She is known for her figurative works of swimmers and dancers. Her work is in the selected collections of thirty-five museums, owned by the City of Peekskill, New York, and the City of Sunnyvale California, Former President Clinton, the Frederick R. Weisman Foundation, Mr. Steven Cohen, Maluma, Andrea Bocelli, Alexandre Bartelle, and the Forbes Magazine Collection. In 2011, she founded the Carole A. Feuerman Sculpture Foundation. She lives and works in New York.