Jerry Ross Barrish :: Empathy
"Empathy is the hallmark of Jerry Barrish's figurative sculpture;" says
Philip Linhares of the Oakland Museum of California, "he endows his
figures with life through pose, gesture, and narrative." Barrish is a
storyteller. For over a decade, he used filmmaking as his principle
artistic outlet. Then 1989 while walking along the beach, Barrish
collected scraps of plastic trash swept in by the surf. From these he
created his first castaway sculpture. Since then he has created a
signature expression of sculptures of found refuse through hundreds of
figures and animal forms.
Most recently, Barrish has selected a few of these assemblages to cast in
bronze. "I was very reluctant," he explains, "because I felt I had
discovered a unique voice in the found materials that had become my
signature medium. But one aspect of bronze appealed to me - unlike my
plastic assemblage, the cast bronze could be displayed outdoors in parks,
gardens, and in public spaces." Barrish chose which pieces would be cast
in bronze, selecting only those that would maintain the "spirit and soul
of the original work."
Six figurative works will be on view at this exhibition. In Barrish's
piece, "Grieving," the figure's depressed head buries itself in its
up-stretched hands while seemingly trying to hide its sorrow behind a
wrapped sackcloth-like covering. It's gaunt frame and diminutive height
demands our compassion. In "Russian Dancer," Barrish displays a different
set of emotions. The figure raises arms skyward while its legs practically
gyrate in dance. It is a celebration. In either case of joy or sorrow,
Barrish's figures convey a narrative gesture that both gives and requires
emotion, exchange and empathy.
Jerry Ross Barrish is a native San Franciscan. He received his BFA and MFA
from the San Francisco Art Institute. He exhibits his art throughout the
United States and is included in many permanent public collections. He
currently lives and maintains his studio in the Bay Area.
About Sculpturesite Gallery:
Sculpturesite Gallery is Northern California's only gallery dedicated
entirely to modern and contemporary fine art sculpture, representing over
thirty mid-career to internationally renowned artists. The landmark
indoor-outdoor contemporary gallery is located one block from the San
Francisco MOMA and across the street from the Moscone Center, in the heart
of San Francisco's Museum District.
When:
Saturday March 20, 2010
10:00 AM -
11:00 AM
Pacific
Where:
Sculpturesite Gallery,
201 3rd Street, Ste. 102,
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-495-6400
Organizer:
Sculpturesite Gallery
Cost:
0.00.
Contact:
415-495-6400
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