Sarah Stevenson's work walks the line between drawing and sculpture. Her sculptures evoke geometric architectural drawings, but are undeniably supple and curvaceous. The forms are spectral and disappear if you look at them from an angle where the light does not catch on the multitude of colors; to appreciate them fully one must experience them in the round, letting them come in and out of view. The colors of the works seemingly shimmer as one moves around them, and this experience gives them an organic opalescent quality that accentuates the weightlessness and delicate nature of the sculptures. She achieves this through the use of multicolored thread, wire, and acrylic paint.
The sculptures are displayed in natural light, causing shadows to extend from the point where the sculptures hover just above the ground like ghosts. The shadows expand the presence of the sculptures - the amount of space is taken up is impressive given the relatively small amount of material used. Her forms while meticulous and mathematical in their construction remain round and organic - though they feel like architectural plans in their extreme precision and symmetry. In the shape and lightness of the form her sculptures feel related to Ruth Asawa but the geometric construction sets them apart and gives them a unique personality,
Stevensons sculptures are clearly inspired by drawing in their emphasis on line creating form however, they do not feel like simple three dimensional renderings of color pencil drawings. Instead, they display a clear understanding of the power of sculpture to command space and demand the viewer experience the works in person as there is no other way to experience their fleeting essence.
I also really enjoyed this show and how delicate the sculptures felt, which I think can be a really difficult line to walk–asserting their presence while also being delicate and almost ephemeral. They really reminded me of Ruth Asawa, but I like how you mentioned the reference to architecture as well because that also feels very present in the work. I think to make the review stronger, more of your perspective and experience viewing it could be helpful. The final sentence makes a strong argument for the show, but I think you could also sprinkle some of that argument throughout the piece as well.
ReplyDeleteStevenson’s exhibition at Arsenal Gallery left an impression on me, and I think your review thoughtfully articulates what makes the work so compelling and visually resonant. Your observations about the interplay between light, color, and spatial perception mirror my own experience, particularly how the sculptures shift and shimmer depending on the viewer’s position. I found the use of natural light especially effective in extending the form through shadow, creating a presence that far exceeds the physical material. Your comparison to Ruth Asawa was insightful; I agree that Stevenson’s precision adds a distinct architectural dimension that sets her work apart beautifully.
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