"Sea Idylls": An Immersion into Hyperrealistic Sculpture and Feminine Power
Last week, as I was preparing for my trip to NYC, I had a conversation with a friend and asked her about some of her favorite must-see spots. She mentioned that one of her friends recently sent her a link to a new outdoor installation featuring the sculptures of Carole Feuerman. Since I used to design swimwear, she knew that this one would be interesting- and she was right!
New York City is known for its art, culture, and fashion. It’s no surprise that “Sea Idylls,” the latest art exhibition that graces Park Avenue, marries all three. The installation showcases Carole Feuerman’s stunning hyper realistic sculptures of women in swimwear. Her attention to detail is what sets her work apart, making this something worth seeing.
For Feuerman, these sculptures aren't just about the aesthetics of a bikini or the joy of a dip in the water. Instead, each piece is imbued with rich, often unspoken narratives, mirroring societal realities and universal human emotions. It just happens to be swimwear that she uses as a mechanism to tell the tale. This deep and rich exploration of themes makes her art that much more interesting and engaging. Let’s take a loser look, so you can more fully appreciate the intricacies of each piece.
Feuerman's sculptures are testaments to her extraordinary attention to detail. They possess a quality of hyperrealism that makes the viewer question the boundaries between art and life. With painstaking precision, she captures the texture of the fabric, the shimmer of water droplets on sun-kissed skin, and the palpable essence of a day spent by the seaside.
Another piece, "Survival of Serena", depicts a weary woman clinging to an inner tube. The sculpture, inspired by the sight of immigrants floating on water towards a hopeful future, encapsulates the struggles of immigrants and their relentless pursuit of a better life.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this exhibit is the collaboration between Feuerman and swimwear designer Sama Danesh. “Pisces” embodies the designer’s aesthetic and stands out due to Feuerman’s willingness to explore the work of another artist. As someone who used to make swimwear, this one definitely caught my eye. I was astounded by the play of textures and attention to detail. Do you see those seams?
As I walked down Park Avenue, I had to pause to truly appreciate these beautiful interludes of art, and found myself transported to a place of deep reflection and powerful narratives.
“Justice" is another particularly striking work that depicts a woman balanced atop a sphere, symbolizing her representation of justice throughout the land. The reflection of the sphere functions as a type of collective lens that invites the viewer to examine their place in the world and reflect on the disparity of experience.
Carole Feuerman's “Sea Idylls” exhibit is something you're going to want to see in person. It is an impressive collection that portrays women in swimwear in different perspectives, emphasizing strong narratives. You will come away with a deeper appreciation for the art form and the stories behind each piece. Do not miss this chance to experience this exhibition on Park Avenue until the end of the year.
To learn more about Feuerman’s work, you can download the Galeries Bartoux Digital catalogue.
Setting the Scene for 2019
If learning to sew is one of your goals for this new year, I have just the classes for you.
If learning to sew is one of your new years resolutions, I have just the classes for you.
Beginning January 19, I will host monthly learn to sew classes for adults. As I haven’t found just the right day and time to meet everyone’s schedule, some classes will be offered Saturday mornings, others on a week night.
Since I love making bags (and have written a new book on bag making!) They are so quick, relatively easy and near instant gratification. Look forward to lots of bag making opportunities.
January’s Adult Sewing Workshop : Zipper Clutch Purse- In this skill building class you will learn all the basics of sewing, including learning the parts of the sewing machine and how to use them, learn how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and troubleshoot common issues. You'll also learn how to cut and pin fabric, learn the basics of understanding seam allowance, straight stitching, sewing curves and corners, and inserting a zipper.
$55, All supplies included.
February workshop ( date pending) Lace Bralette, it is both beautiful and functional. Some sewing experience required.
What would you like to learn to make?
Happy new year!
Hilarie XOXO