For Immediate Release
August 1, 2007
Contact:
Corey Cronin 781/259-3628, ccronin@decordova.org
Ricardo Barros: Facing Sculpture
Arcade Gallery
September 1, 2007 – January 13, 2008
Exhibition Opening: Thursday, September 6 from 6 – 9 pm
LINCOLN, MA – Sometimes it seems impossible that a piece of art was created by human hands. In Facing Sculpture, photographer Ricardo Barros introduces the viewer to the individual behind the art in an inventive fusing of photography and sculpture. Facing Sculpture features approximately twenty black-and-white photographs of contemporary sculptors—both internationally renowned sculptors, and sculptors who live and work in the New England region—photographed in their homes, studios, and exhibition spaces. Many of the artists have been included in DeCordova exhibitions, and others have shown work in the outdoor Sculpture Park.
Barros's portraits are sensitive, personal meditations, worlds away from the market-driven image-consciousness that repeatedly puts forth the posturing of celebrity artists. His photographs result from a creative approach to portraiture dependent upon the web of complex relationships among the sculptor, the sculptor's work, and the work of the photographer. His process is based neither on an imposition of preconceptions, nor an overlay of ego, but on a sensitive, intuitive collaboration that yields a wide variety of images. Ricardo's portraits have no "style," no "look,” but are individual artworks that reveal an open and honest regard for sculptors, and a desire to construct poetic images. The best of these photographs draw forth aspects of the sculptors' personalities that most closely inform their work, the psychological space between sculptor and sculpture.
Facing Sculpture is a loving and humanistic tribute to art, creativity, and risk. In a rich interpretive dialogue, Barros' photographs address and enmesh two layers of human expressive endeavor: sculpture and photography. They also insistently reveal the human presence behind the work of art, and illuminate the extraordinary individuals who happen to communicate more clearly and effectively with objects than with words.
The portraits in Facing Sculpture are psychologically honest, complex, and immediately intriguing. Each one provokes curiosity and a longing to know more about the artist and his or her work. Barros’ portraits capture a wide range of artists in their different work settings and, through imaginative formats and stimulating compositions, provide a powerfully inventive and engaging visual experience. His subjects feature internationally recognized artists such as Segal, Marisol, and Magdalena Abakanowicz. In Facing Sculpture, Barros intentionally sets out not to make saleable images of recognized blue-chip art stars, but to communicate something substantial and honest about the broader contemporary sculpture community. Whether Barros’ subjects are emerging artists or established, whether they work with bronze or recycled garbage, they are all united by their commitment to the integrity of their work, and the aesthetic excellence of their sculpture.
This exhibition is accompanied by the book Facing Sculpture, a Portfolio of Portraits, Sculpture, and Related Ideas with an introduction by DeCordova Curator Nick Capasso, who organized this show.
Barros will present a slide talk at 3 pm on October 6; a book signing will follow.
For images, please contact Corey Cronin at ccronin@decordova.org or 781/259-3628.
General Information: DeCordova is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm and on selected Monday holidays. General admission during Museum hours is $9 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, students, and youth ages 6–12. Children age 5 and under, Lincoln residents, and Active Duty Military Personnel and their dependents are admitted free. The Sculpture Park is open year round during daylight hours. The Store @ DeCordova and the School Gallery are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Friday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Café @ DeCordova is open Tuesday from noon to 3 pm, and Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Guided public tours of the Museum’s main galleries take place every Thursday at 1 and Sunday at 2 pm. Tours of the Sculpture Park are given on Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm from May to Oct. All guided public tours are free with Campus admission. Visit www.decordova.org or call 781/259-8355 for further information. This press release is available electronically on DeCordova’s Web site.
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