By: Abigail S. Vital
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) – Art has always been an important part of history, through its means of communicating the culture of a group of people, or simply a means of expressing oneself. Whether it is a painting, a drawing, or a sculpture, art is a medium that can be used to tell stories from different perspectives. One exhibit in New York City combines both history and the power of storytelling in a stunning way. The Williamsburg Bronze Exhibit features a group of sculptors who share something in common: their immigration to America.
After successfully drawing the public in Manhattan, the exhibit is traveling to the other four boroughs of New York City. Its first outer-borough stop was in Williamsburg, Brooklyn where members of the Art Student League of New York (ASL) proudly displayed their sculptures at the Condor Hotel.
The ASL Bronze Artists group is composed of more than 30 New York-based sculptors who have exhibited internationally and nationally and are all immigrants, primarily women. They use bronze casting and sculpting techniques to bring their ideas to life– the handiwork of foreigners hoping to leave their mark in this country.
Drawing inspiration from their different situations, the exhibit also presented the public with powerful messages besides that of the artist experience as an immigrant.
Jessica Mandrick raised awareness to problems in the Midwestern part of the United States through her sculptures of horses being graphically depicted with scissors. Bringing to light the killing of wild horses in the west also raised awareness that drilling oil in the area may eradicate the wild horses who live there.
Other noteworthy pieces in the exhibit were done by Peruvian artist Ray Warner, who created his work with a tall perspective. His work featured tall sculptures of a woman holding an umbrella, a man and woman standing tall, and a tall woman with her baby. Through his work, Warner conveys the message of standing tall through adversity, especially as immigrants living in the United States.
Whether standing alone, or with a loved one, it is important to remember that anything is possible through hard work. Though some may see the American dream as unattainable, it is still possible to reach.
(Eagle News Service)