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Paul Stopforth Essential Gestures Paul Stopforth's new work consists of small figurative sculptures which through a variety of gestures reflect our sensorial experience of each other and the world. The figures can be found either pointing at one another, the viewer, or themselves, calling out, or looking over their shoulders, engaging the viewer in non-verbal communication that emphasizes the universal language with which humans interact. Pointedly lacking in mouths and having straight poker faces, the sculptures have been stripped down to their lone essential gestures, the result being a realization of the impact seemingly innocuous and fleeting gestures have on how we perceive and relate to one another. Depending upon the viewer's disposition, the figures are alternately accusing and aggressive,or amiable and inviting. Regardless of how one chooses to interpret their actions, however, they manage to embody a sense of vulnerability,silence and pathos that is at the same time humorous and self-contained. Paul Stopforth emigrated from his native homeland of South Africa in 1988. While living in South Africa, his work attempted to comfort the injustice of the apartheid regime, as well as the moral complexity of being a white artist in a racist society. In 1985, Paul spent a year studying at the Royal College of Art in London, and in 1988 was an artist-in-residence at Tufts University. Since then he has chosen to remain in Massachusetts. Although his work is no longer expressly political, the influence of his native country is always evident in his richly colored and layered work. If you are interested in any of these works, feel free to email geeta@creiger-dane.com. The navigation buttons on the upper right will take you to the top (this page), previous, and next page in this show. You may click on our logo at any time to return to our home page. We hope you enjoy your visit, and invite you to sign our Guest Book. |
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 Pointing Looking Up Pointing In Turning Shielding (Hands Raised) Shielding (Head Bowed Emigre Shielding (Hands Rising) Pointing Back Pointing Right Empty Handed Calling Three Rude Gestures pointing Down Shielding (with panel) |