NYAB Event - Sergei Isupov "He + She"

Sergei Isupov "He + She"

Barry Friedman Ltd.

This event has ended.

Barry Friedman Ltd., in collaboration with Ferrin Gallery, presents a solo exhibition of work by contemporary Russian sculptor, Sergei Isupov. The exhibition marks the artist¹s first show with the gallery. He + She will include recent work produced over a year spent in Estonia, as well as major works from the artist¹s career.

Often called an erotic Surrealist for his daring representations of sexuality, relationships, and human encounter, Isupov takes narrative subject matter and merges it with ceramic sculptural form. Drawing on personal experience, and human observation, he creates works that integrate autobiography with universal narrative. He states, "Everything that surrounds and excites me is automatically processed and transformed into Šan artwork. [...] The essence of my work is not in the medium or the creative process, but in the human beings and their incredible diversity. When I think of myself and my works, I¹m not sure I create them, perhaps they create me."

While the robust, and racially distinct facial traits make each sculpture unique, they also make the body of work capable of representing universal experiences. The bold color palette, heavily tattooed faces, and textured surfaces relate these works to the aesthetics of traditional Russian art, as well as to contemporary styles of illustration.

What separates Sergei Isupov from other artists working in sculpture today is his unique integration of two-dimensional imagery, with three-dimensional form. Elaborate surface designs that address complex issues of identity, sexual behavior, and personal relationships, morph effortlessly into three-dimensional hands, arms, legs, and feet. They spread onto the underside of every bust, where highly detailed, meticulously rendered, and dream-like vignettes are concealed. These unexpected illustrations act like private thoughts and dreams of the subconscious mind. Sergei Isupov’s sculptures take on lives and personalities of their own. They communicate with the viewer through thoughtful expressions, and personal stories worn on the surface of their skin.

In contrast to the three-dimensionality of his ceramic sculpture, Isupov’s works on paper continue his exploration of scale, surface, and dimensionality. Working in both charcoal and gouache, these works explore the complexities of human emotional relationships. In close-cropped scenes, our attention is drawn to large round sets of eyes belonging to a pair of figures. While these eyes sometimes meet and embrace one another, more often, they fail to do so. The viewer bears witness to one partner¹s longing, and the other¹s apathetic and averted eyes. This affecting, relatable, and emotional experience is poignant on a universal level.