feuerman: superrealist sculptures

The most comprehensive illustrated monograph to date on major American artist Carole A. Feuerman, a pioneer of superrealism in sculpture.

Carole Feuerman is best known for her figurative sculptures depicting swimmers and dancers. She is the only woman to sculpt in this style, creating lifelike works for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

During the rise of postmodernism in the mid-seventies, Feuerman drew inspiration from historical imagery and styles while creating 3D illustrations for prominent magazines and tour publications, featuring rock icons like the Rolling Stones and Alice Cooper. Her debut life casting in 1975, showcased on the cover of the National Lampoon, marked a significant artistic achievement.

Transitioning into the late 1970s, Feuerman delved into creating fragmented erotic compositions, adding complexity to her work. As a narrative artist, she infuses her sculptures with symbolic depth, inviting viewers into a dialogue. Informed by postmodernist thought, the 1980s saw Feuerman creating lifelike, full-figure superrealistic sculptures, solidifying her artistic career and legacy.

Her passion for water and the ocean stems from her childhood at the beach. Feuerman describes the sensation of water droplets on her skin after swimming and the intricate patterns they formed as captivating. The beach became her sanctuary--a place of escape and tranquility. During a beach outing with her children, she encountered a swimmer with water droplets streaming down her face, radiating a sense of pride and accomplishment. This encounter catalyzed her first swimmer sculpture titled Catalina (1978).

This lavishly illustrated book covers Feuerman’s entire career spanning five decades, and features more than 200 works.

Demetrio Paparoni is an art critic, curator, and essayist. In 1983 he founded the contemporary art magazine Tema Celeste and the publishing house bearing the same name.