Jerry Ross Barrish :: Empathy December 5, 2009

Nov 19 - Feb 27, noon - 5pm. Opening Reception, Dec 5, 3-5pm

"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.

Official Website: http://www.sculpturesite.com/index_home.cfm?DomRequest=sculpturesite.com