The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) in Canada is currently exhibiting some of hyperrealist sculptor Ron Mueck’s most poignant works to date. The Australia born artist, recently featured in HF Vol. 30, is well known for his larger-than-life fiberglass portrait sculptures of life’s key stages. This new exhibition, named “NGC@WAG: Ron Mueck” for its cooperation with the National Gallery of Canada, offers attendees a rare look at the process behind Mueck’s work, including his original maquettes and studies. Among the works on view are his 2000 sculpture “Untitled (Old Woman in Bed)” and 2006 sculpture “A Girl,” inspired by his own grandmother and infant daughter respectively. Despite their towering size, there is a vulnerability to his works that makes them feel strangely familiar. Each recreates scenes from the artist’s personal life, utilizing scale for added emotional impact. For example, as we loom over his ailing grandmother in “Untitled (Old Woman in Bed)” Mueck encourages us to look inwards and consider our smallness in the grand scheme of life. Her figure is dwarfed by “A Girl,” measuring more than 16 feet long, exaggerating the feeling of overwhelming responsibility that comes with having a child. “NGC@WAG: Ron Mueck”, in partnership with the National Gallery of Canada, and is now on display at WAG through October 4th.
Japanese artist Shintaro Ohata places sculptures in front of paintings to create wondrous scenes inspired by childhood. They play out every day encounters between his child subjects, their pets and imaginary friends with the world around them. While their lives may seem ordinary for the most part, Ohata's playful and impressionistic style make them feel like fantasies. They are sculpted from polystyrene which are then painted to perfectly match their traditional 2D acrylic backgrounds.
The sculptures of Federico Clapis often play with our tether to technology, from the womb to the modern professional. The former stage, in particular, is where we find some of the artist’s most provocative work. He recently unveiled the above piece, a massive bronze figure, in London.