Carole A. Feuerman, known as the “mother” of Hyperrealism, is a renowned American sculptor celebrated for her figurative works depicting swimmers and dancers. As one of the three founders of Hyperrealism movement in the late 70s, and the sole woman working in this style, Feuerman revolutionized figurative sculptures realistically painted for outdoor settings. She is also recognized for her artistic advancements, particularly in perfecting the technique she calls “painting with fire,” which involves melting molding bronze until it is liquid and pouring it into open sand molds.
Feuerman’s illustrious career has garnered numerous prestigious awards, acknowledging her significant contributions to the art world. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement ‘Goddess Artemis’ Award from the European American Woman’s Council for her innovative sculptural creations. In China, she received the Best in Show award at the Beijing Biennale and a Special Honor in Changzhou for her large-scale installations. Additional accolades include the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, The National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian Institution, the Amelia Peabody Award, the Beatty Parsons Sculpture Award, and the First Prize at the Olympic Fine Art Exhibition in Beijing.
In addition to her studio practice, Feuerman has taught sculpture at esteemed institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. In 2011, she established the Carole A. Feuerman Sculpture Foundation to support emerging artists. With four published monographs, Feuerman has shared her work and artistic process through writing and exhibitions. Her sculptures are prominently featured in over thirty museum collections worldwide.
Feuerman resides in Manhattan with her family and maintains three studios in the Tri-State area, where she continues to create emotive Hyperrealist sculptures. Her artistic philosophy is rooted in the belief that if one can imagine it, they can make it come true, as she passionately strives to create art that closely resembles life. According to Feuerman, “It’s all in the details.”
What medium do you use in your art, and why did you choose it?
Originally starting as an illustrator, my career naturally evolved into sculpture after a transformative experience of encountering a swimmer on the beach. This led me to create swimmer sculptures. I also incorporate shimmering Swarovski crystals and luxurious gold leaf to celebrate the beauty of women, art, and the joy that swimmers represent in my personal life and to many others. These materials not only reclaim the ancient techniques of artists but also infuse them with a modern and relatable twist.
What are some of the worldwide and local projects you have worked on?
My public commissions have been exhibited globally, including recent exhibitions on New York City’s Park Avenue and Central Park, as well as at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Internationally, my works have been displayed at venues such as Avenue George V in Paris and the Venice Biennale. Noteworthy solo exhibitions include Crossing The Sea, Fondazione Made in Cloister, Naples, IT, Sea Idylls, POPA, Park Avenue, New York, The Importance of Being Human, Medici Museum of Art, Trumbull, Ohio, USA, Corpus Domini. Dal Corpo Glorioso alle rovine dell’ anima, Palazzo Reale, Milan, IT, From La Biennale di Venezia & Open to Rome. International Perspectives, Galleria d’Arte Moderna, GAM, Rome, IT, 50 Years of Public Art in NYC Parks, Central Park, New York, US. My latest sculpture, titled, In The Likeness of the Goddess Hawthorne, will soon be exhibited at the Great Pyramids of Giza as part of the Forever is Now exhibition at Art D’ Egypte in October. Her works are in the permanent collections of thirty-one museums and are owned by the cities of Sunnyvale, CA, and Peekskill, NY, the State Hermitage, the El Paso Museum, Steven A. Cohen, Former President Clinton, The Frederick R. Weisman Foundation, the Caldic Collection, Maluma, Dr. Henry Kissinger, and Malcolm Forbes.
Have you collaborated with any brands or other entities? What are your plans or any projects and collaborations you can hint at?
Fortunately, I have had the privilege of collaborating with other artists, such as Michelangelo Bastiani, by creating Birth Geyser. Moreover, my foundation, The Carole A. Feuerman Sculpture Foundation, collaborates with various charities to support young artists in showcasing their work and offers a residency program. Currently, there is a potential collaboration underway with a clothing brand, the proceeds of which would aid survivors and individuals diagnosed with Breast Cancer, a cause that holds personal significance to me.
Additionally, a film is in production that will delve into and expand upon my career, as portrayed in my autobiography, My Hyperrealist Life. Lastly, I own and operate 1Moore Studios, which encompasses recording, photography, and music studios. Through 1Moore Studios, I have collaborated with and signed numerous talented musicians. I will also be featured at Park Avenue Day in October, and I have several exciting exhibitions and showcases in progress. Stay tuned for more!
What are your thoughts on the current art landscape?
While I appreciate and understand the challenges faced by my fellow artists, I am disheartened by the continued neglect and lack of recognition given to many female artists for their achievements and contributions. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded, but it remains disappointing that my role in founding Hyperrealism is often downplayed. Hopefully, with time and increased awareness, museums and institutions will continue to address the gender disparities in the art world. Technology has also played a significant role in expanding artistic possibilities, allowing artists to experiment and create in new and exciting ways. I am also proud of the acclaim that Hyperrealism has gained, as it makes me happy to see how many have been touched by the movement.
What message are you trying to convey through your art?
To fully answer this question, I would like to share a quote from my autobiography, My Hyperrealist Life And Legacy, which explores the significance of my choice to sculpt swimmers. In the book, I wrote, “My sculptures replicate the forms, contours, and textures of the human body, creating a visually convincing illusion of physicality. They are life-like sculptures, painted with oils, that appear so real that you can feel their presence in the room. I am best known for my swimmers, adorned with water droplets. However, they are more than just swimmers. They tell stories of survival, balance, perseverance, and trust from my own life. As a child, I cherished the beach, and many of my dearest memories involve playing in the sand and diving into the waves at Jones Beach on Long Island. I recall the delicate water droplets that covered my arms and face after emerging from a swim, and I was captivated by the patterns they formed on my skin. I observed how the human figure radiates a healthy glow while in and out of the water, and how the water rejuvenates the body while instilling a sense of harmony, both internally and externally. My swimmer sculptures embody a contentedness with life, and they are survivors, much like me.” In essence, my work embodies perseverance, which is not only a prevalent theme in my art but also a central message in my life.
Your preferred medium of working is quite unique. What inspired this idea?
While I am recognized for developing techniques like “painting with fire,” which involves molten bronze, I have also chosen another material that I cannot disclose due to it being a trademark of my sculptures. What I can share is that it mimics lifelike qualities and embodies the water droplets that once adorned my body, serving as a constant reminder of my resilience. I vividly remember a significant moment sitting on the beach. I was going through a difficult period, contemplating a divorce. However, I witnessed a young woman emerging from the water, brimming with joy. Her happiness inspired me and sparked the idea to incorporate this material into my sculptures, mimicking the droplets I had observed on her and, earlier, on myself. I am delighted with my choice, as it has garnered much attention and praise for the unique element it brings to my artworks.
What message would you like to convey to our readers and young artists?
The message I would like to convey to readers and young artists is to nurture and preserve your passion. Never let it wane, and always fuel it. Despite the setbacks I faced, my love for art propelled me through the most challenging times of my life. There is no greater feeling than channeling one’s difficulties into creating beautiful sculptures. I also emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive individuals and having a team that uplifts and inspires you, as I do in my various studio locations. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you and foster your growth.