The Figure

Juried by Andi Campognone

May 31 – June 28, 2022

Curatorial Statement

The depicted figure, in its many forms, is one of the oldest records of our existence as a species capable of storytelling. From ancient cave paintings to mark-making on the streets in the 21st century, the human form is innately the most recognizable image in our search for understanding who we are as a collective or as an individual. This exhibition focuses on the unique ways in which we communicate the specialness of being human.

The term “figure” is often associated with “the nude” and while drafting from the nude figure is an excellent exercise in understanding form and function, in terms of a living creature it is not necessarily art. Giving the figure context, clothed or not, changes the work from a study in craft to a work of art. It also increases our empathy and understanding of others. This is not to say that nudity itself defines whether or not the work is of value, but for this exhibition the focus on the figure will not be highlighting the body of the subject but how its depiction celebrates the human condition and the significance of identity.

Human Condition

Traditional standards of beauty have not been the best moniker for truth and the use of the acceptable, beautiful figure as a tool in advertising and in social media has isolated entire populations. Depictions of the human condition portrayed in everyday scenarios are informative and necessary but most importantly relatable. Works by artists Margaret Brown, Candice Flewharty, Donna Gordon, Cindy Konits and Janice Tieken literally document a moment in everyday life, offering us a vignette or glimpse into a shared world. Works that both emit and incite emotive responses without the suggestion of an environment, like the portraits captured by artists Andrew Cziraki, Jennifer Garza-Cuen, Jodie Kain, Bob Moskowitz, Joshua Meyer, and Ann Piper, speak to our recognition of facial expression and body language. Paula Bullwinkel, Jodie Kain, and James Singelis have created the only pieces in the show with multiple subjects. The literal, physical connection between the figures seems natural but somehow awkward after the pandemic.The past two years have changed all of our daily lives and our interactions with others, in this exhibition you will experience moments of quiet introspection and exploration of the solitary.

**Margaret Brown**
*May 27th - June 18th, 2020*
Oil on Canvas
48" x 38" x 1.5"
$7,700.00

**Margaret Brown**
*Garbage Glory*
Oil on Canvas
66" x 50" x 1.5"
$13,000.00

**Andrew Cziraki**
*Eternal Abyss*
Digital Print
36" x 24"
$1,250.00

**Cindy Konits**
*Book Archival Pigment Print*
15" x 20.5"
$600.00

**Paula Bullwinkel**
*My Fave Aunt and Uncle*
Oil on canvas
24" x 30" x 2"
$2,800.00

**Candice Flewharty**
*Pacemaker pic Eleven Poolside 3*
Oil
14" x 11" x 1"
$1,000.00

**Jennifer Garza-Cuen**
*Bobby*
Archival Pigment Print
32" x 40"
$1,800.00

**Donna Gordon**
*Double Vision*
Gum Arabic Transfer
10" x 12" x 1"
$1,500.00

**Jodie Kain**
*Nearly There*
Soft pastel
15" x 16" x 2"
$4,200.00

**Jodie Kain**
*The Crystal Gazer*
Soft pastel
18" x 16" x 2"
$4,000.00

**Janice Tieken**
*RUNNER BY THE SEA*
Digital Print
12" x 18"
$350.00

**Joshua Meyer**
*Lacrimoso*
Oil on canvas
18" x 16" x 1.5"
$5,000.00

**Bob Moskowitz**
*Squat*
Oil
60" x 36" x 2"
$6,500.00

**Ann Piper**
*Claire's Dilemma*
Oil on canvas
40" x 30" x 2"
$3,000.00

**James Singelis**
*Mr. & Mrs.*
Charcoal, Graphite, Tape
36" x 24"
$1,800.00

Identity

Though all of the work chosen for this exhibition can be considered conceptual, the images created by Giuseppe Di Leo, Matthew Finley, Jennifer Croson, Maddy Loucas, Perin Mahler, and Jonathan Palmer connect abstract or disparate visuals, materials to deepen meaning. As with the complexity and construct of identity itself, differing internal and external indicators about ourselves often go unrecognized subsequently additional information is needed and added as markers as seen in the work of Tracy Page, Steven Palumbo, and Jeanne Carol Potter. This exhibition is filled with a narrative thread, not uncommon in representational art. The seriousness of the subject matter is balanced by the whimsical works of Elizabeth Frank, Rhellie Guerra, Hxoro Hxoro, Aimee Perez, Benjamin Phillips, Emma Schwartz, Sondra Schwetman and Gail Winbury.