On Friday, March 21, 6:00 to 8:30 pm, Racine Art Museum will host an exhibition reception for Collection Focus: Sergei Isupov, offering a unique opportunity to meet the artist Sergei Isupov, an innovative artist who has pushed the theoretical and narrative possibilities of clay. This members' event, which includes light refreshments, a cash bar, and a booksigning starting at 7:00 pm, is also open to the public with general admission of $10. RAM Members and National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) attendees wearing badges receive complimentary admission.   

Collection Focus: Sergei Isupov is a mid-career retrospective featuring over 20 works in both two and three dimensions. It offers a rich visual catalogue of what Isupov has produced to date. In addition, the show reflects the passion and generosity of individual donors who have supported the artist and helped to build RAM's groundbreaking collection of provocative works in clay.  

 

Interested in exploring the dynamics of human relationships, Sergei Isupov (born Stravapol, Russia, 1963) has found a distinctive artistic voice combining two-dimensional narrative with three-dimensional ceramic form. Imbuing his work with social, cultural, and personal history, Isupov investigates the dynamics of the human condition through complex and compelling compositions. Figures in all states of dress or undress-often in isolated or abstracted landscapes-morph and shift as animals become part human or vice-versa. Works on paper-whether charcoal, gouache, or prints-extend Isupov's investigations and allow him to further play with composition and content.

 

Images above: Sergei Isupov, Never the Same Again, 1997 Glazed porcelain 16 x 8 5/8 x 11 9/16 inches Racine Art Museum, Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak Photography: Jon Bolton, Racine, WI

An illustrated 28-page collection study guide accompanies the exhibition. This scholarly text includes essays on the significance of Sergei Isupov's work to the ceramic field from Anthony Stellacio, Project Manager and Curatorial Research Specialist, Smithsonian, National Museum of African Art, and Lena Vigna, RAM Curator of Exhibitions. In addition, a conversation between Bruce W. Pepich, RAM Executive Director, and Leslie Ferrin, gallery owner and curator, explores the dynamic, supportive relationship between Ferrin and Isupov. The booklet features 25 full-color images of Isupov's pieces in RAM's permanent collection and will be available to ship after March 1. Orders may be placed online or by calling RAM Museum Store at 262.638.8200.  

 

This exhibition is made possible in part by: Presenting Sponsors - Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd; SC Johnson; Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors - Herzfeld Foundation; Johnson Bank; Sam and Gene Johnson Fund; National Endowment for the Arts; Racine United Arts Fund; Silver Sponsors - Cotsen Foundation for Academic Research; Elwood Corporation; Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation; W.T. Walker Group, Inc.; Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Sponsors - 88NINE Radio Milwaukee; CNH America LLC; Corner House; Craft in America PBS Series; E.C. Styberg Foundation, Inc.; Educators Credit Union; In Sink Erator; Miracle on Canal Street; The Norbell Foundation; Perimeter Gallery, Chicago; Real Racine; Robert W. Baird Foundation; Ruud Family Foundation; Carol C. Saunders; Donors of Sergei Isupov Works - Dale and Doug Anderson, Karen Johnson Boyd, Gail M. and Robert A. Brown, David and Jacqueline Charak, Ferrin Contemporary, and The Estate of Linda Brooks Sullivan.