Matthew Groves, ORANGEMAN, 2009
Figure/Figurine
Opening Reception, First Friday, April 6, 5-9pm
For many contemporary artists working in clay sculpting representations of the human figure, associations with and references to the figurine are natural. Figurines, diminutive tabletop sculptures, representing man and or beast have lived in almost every home globally, regardless of place, culture or time. Early clay examples date back some 30000 years. Throughout time these figures have represented many things. From fertility icons to religious symbols, common man to Kings, from singular figures to ornate and complex compositions, these intimate sculptures commemorate(d) everyday and heroic acts, modern day folk and pop cultural figures, and historically significant events. Artists participating in Figure/Figurine include Christyl Boger, Jeremy Brooks, Anna Noel, Kensuke Yamada, Carole Epp, Beth Lo, Mathew Groves and Mara Superior. Each of these makers uses the history of the figurine to create works that live comfortably in our contemporary world.137-139 North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-3453
www.theclaystudio.org/exhibition/figurefigurine
