Artist Reception: Friday, July 12, 2024
 

First Floor

Over the past few decades, figurative art in contemporary practice has continued to grow in popularity. While the figure has been a fundamental aspect of studio instruction and art history, contemporary artists are reexamining this tradition in dynamic new ways through varied styles, approaches, and imagery. Featuring a group of regional and national artists, Essential Figure explores the diverse identities and narratives of people through the intersection of race, class, gender, and appearance. These artists enliven and expand the figurative tradition as they simultaneously reflect the changing social and cultural values of today.

Participating artists: Sophie Cangelosi, Jennifer McCandless, Hannah Morris, Enrico Riley, Suzy Spence, and Lorenzo Triburgo and Sarah Van Dyck.
 

Suzy Spence, Checkers, 2024, flashe and acrylic on panel (detail)

Hannah Morris, The Crossing, 2022, gouache, Flashe, and paper collage on board (detail)

Lorenzo Triburgo and Sarah Van Dyck, Saturn, 2020, inkjet print on MOAB Juniper Baryta Rag archival paper (detail)

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Essential Figure is sponsored in part by Leunig's Bistro & Café the Maslow Family Foundation. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by The Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts. Hospitality sponsors, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Farrell Distributing, and William Hill Estate Winery.