A new solo exhibition of sculptures by Nicole Farhi will open at Beaux Arts, London, from 31 January – 2 March 2019.
Folds is a new series by Nicole Farhi in which she explores the beauty of the human figure, focusing on the shapes and curves formed by folds of flesh on parts of the female body.
Inviting two friends to sit for the portraits – Sue Tilley, former muse of Lucian Freud, and Paola Barone – Farhi cast areas of their bodies in plaster, creating life-size replicas of their curves, before casting the sculptures in Jesmonite and bronze. With each piece depicting different sections of the body, the finished works are abstract in their appearance. Featuring over 20 sculptures, Folds at Beaux Arts will be Nicole Farhi’s largest solo exhibition to date.
Farhi was tutored and mentored by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, one of the most important and innovative British sculptors of the twentieth century. She has been sculpting for over 30 years – throughout her career as a fashion designer and full-time for the past seven years.
Nicole Farhi says of her new series Folds: “The human form and the emotions it elicits has been an enduring theme in my sculptural work. Following my last exhibition focusing on the human hand, I wanted to continue looking at parts of the human body; this time exploring the powerful beauty of flesh, curves and the sexual energy large women have.”
Patricia Singh, Director of Beaux Arts, says: “For forty years, Beaux Arts has worked with and exhibited some of the most significant painters and sculptors from the start of the 20th century to the present day, including artists such as Patrick Heron, John Piper, Barbara Hepworth, Elisabeth Frink, Ivon Hitchens and John Hoyland.
“When we first met Nicole Farhi at her studio, we were blown away by the beauty and originality of her sculptures. Her exquisite portrayals of the female form – which are very different to those cast by the fashion industry – are both relevant and thought-provoking, and we feel very strongly that she has something new to say. We are delighted to be presenting Nicole’s new series at Beaux Arts for the first time.”
Farhi was born in 1946 in Nice. In 1983, she launched her eponymous fashion label Nicole Farhi and subsequently opened flagship stores in London, New York and Tokyo as well as the renowned Nicole’s restaurant in Mayfair. In 2007 Nicole was awarded an honorary CBE for her 30-year contribution to British fashion and received a Légion d’Honneur in France thereafter. In 2012, Farhi left the label to devote herself to sculpture full time.
Folds will be on display at Beaux Arts, 48 Maddox Street, from 31 January to 2 March 2019. The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue with an essay by Judy Collins.
Nicole Farhi: Folds
31 January – 2 March 2019
Beaux Arts London
48 Maddox Street, W1S 1AY
Open: Mon-Sat 11:00-18:00 (or anytime by appointment)
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