Artworks depicting nude figures have been prevalent for millennia, and continue to inspire artists. Through this enduring subject matter, artists further explore anatomy, identity, spirituality, and psychology. In observance of this ancient art tradition, Kaviar Gallery’s 5th Biennial Nude Exhibition explores this theme through a contemporary lens. “The Figure Revealed" is a juried group show of 24 artists from 5 states.
Female figures are juxtaposed with gnarled tree roots, recalling the woodland nymphs of Greek mythology in Fred DiGiovanni’s gelatin silver print, “Multi Nude Tree.” Cubistic figures illustrate the geometric simplification of form in Sherry Pearl’s watercolor painting, “Regret.” A man at the door is plagued by unwanted thoughts and self-criticism in Joseph Mays’ powerful photograph, “Door #28.” Mays states, “This piece is part of a series that comes out of conversations with the subjects about what it means to them to be alone. Some of the stories are hard; some are humorous; some are hopeful. All of them are about who we are when the affectations are gone, the filters are set aside, and we have only ourselves to speak and listen. On one side of any doorway is each of us, and the things we keep in our hearts. On the other side is everything else.”
Artistic voices and media vary greatly in this juried exhibition. The works in “The Figure Revealed” include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, ceramic, metalwork, and mixed media. Brandon C. Smith is exhibiting a beautifully rendered study of human anatomy in his charcoal and pastel drawing, “Leaning.” David B. Johnson enriches the tradition of live figure drawing through the use of color-etching techniques in his work depicting a partially clothed sitter: “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service (After Rembrandt).” Marsha Karagheusian also works from a live model; she creates ceramic sculptures of reclining women surrounded by sensuous interiors, as seen in “Water for Thirst.” Delicate lace is collaged over found imagery in John Paradiso’s mixed media work, “Cockles and Muscles.” Paradiso’s work is an exploration and celebration of fluid masculinity informed by the feminine. Devan Horton strips away color by bleaching fabric to reveal a seated nude figure in her work, “Alter Ego.” Horton states, “Nude is meant to be a reflection of true self and discovering what makes us human.”
The nude figure is a timeless exemplification of universal humanity that expresses countless facets of the human experience. “The Figure Revealed” will run from May 25th – July 14th, 2018. The Opening Reception will be held at Kaviar Gallery on May 25th from 5:00-7:00PM during the F.A.T Friday Trolley Hop!
WHAT: “The Figure Revealed”
WHERE: Kaviar Forge & Gallery
WHEN: Opening Reception, May 25th 5:00-7:00PM
Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 12-6, Saturday 12-4
