Fragment-No.-2

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on February 15, 2013 at 1:24pm

Curator’s Comment:

 

Fragment No. 2 questions the premise that figurative presence can be reduced dramatically and still conjure the essence of the human form. The sculpture’s economic simplicity is very appealing, with its rolling curves, and skin like surface color and texture.  The rough edges of the object nicely contrast the overall smoothness, without pulling too much emphasis away from the interior valleys.  However, I find the presentation on the larger base somewhat questionable.  While the dark block slightly overwhelms the delicacy of the sculpture it suspends, there’s also an interesting visual play against gravity.  It’s as if the form is draped over and envelops the two vertical supports, yielding to the pressure rather than retaining inherent rigidity.  Needing dual stanchions makes me contemplate the physical weight of the flesh. While media isn’t specifically designated in this slide, it appears it could be the same painted plaster media in other related works.  If so, this would be an even more unusual display of the traditionally unyielding material.  Last Thought is my favorite piece in the series of more complete busts.  The animated but vaguely distant expression of the face intimates complex emotion.  The slightly generous proportions of the eyes and ears appear anatomically correct, but could also evoke innocence or naiveté.  Thank you for sharing this work- I look forward to seeing more new pieces.