stones and heavy metal at the scarab club
“This exhibition is an homage to metal works and sculpture. While the world is currently crushing on painting (every ten years right?) I think it's important to highlight some of the great sculptural work in Detroit.”
Rendered in rich black terra cotta, two figures integrate perfectly into coarse hair which contrasts with the smoothness of the primary subject’s skin. The pedestal elevates the realistically produced bust to just below eye level where lips part slightly softening the steady gaze.
Sergio De Giusti recognizes the Benin Empire in his classic wrapped motif. Eyes covered in bandages communicate sadness in worn-through strength having seen too many battles. Umber and copper patina further temper the image.
Ogun strongly alludes to Giacometti in this elongated figure. Rising from floor to ceiling, the simplified depiction in bronzed steel wire commands its space.
Affording the only discernible color in the entire exhibition are Lois Teicher’s interlocking aluminum circles. Elementary but steadfast shapes cast shadows that contribute to the flavor and dimension of the piece.
Traditional sculpture is generally relegated to one component in a gallery exhibition rather than the singular theme. The result is an unusually definitive weight perceived immediately upon entering this gallery. There is virtually no color other than what naturally occurs in the chosen material. From the celebrated to the soon to be, each artist delivers their personal narrative through a range of interpretations generated from closely related materials illustrating an artist’s unique vision and execution.
Participating artists: Austen Brantley, Sergio De Guisti, Todd Erickson, Saffell Gardner, Alvaro Jurado, Taru Lahti, Lois Teicher, Chris Turner.
On view through February 10 at The Scarab Club 217 Farnsworth Detroit
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
I’m glad you’re here and thanks for reading. If you’re able, please consider upgrading to paid where you get access to all video and audio interviews posted since this newsletter’s inception and my undying gratitude for your support! Thank you!
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Thanks for coverage
All phenomenal artists! But could they really only convince ONE woman to be in the exhibition??