"Figures Transformed," a multimedia exhibition featuring three artists who use the figure as the central imagery in their work, will be on view at the Southampton Arts Center from Saturday through Sept. 24. Organized by Christina Strassfield, the show has work by Deborah Buck, Hal Buckner, and Strong-Cuevas.
Ms. Buck, who lives in Sagaponack, populates her paintings with anthropomorphic and imaginary figures to create an otherworldly environment. Of the strange, almost surreal forms central to her work, she has said, "I make images of things I wish existed. Like nature on steroids. It’s like making . . . a world a little more interesting to me than one without them.”
A longtime Southampton resident, Mr. Buckner focuses on the female figure as the central imagery of his work, which he executes in a complex process that begins with a line drawing that is eventually transferred to and cut out of a sheet of aluminum. He has said he finds "all the angles and movement" of the female figure fascinating.
"A face can be a universe," Ms. Strong-Cuevas said during a 1985 lecture, and the human head is indeed central to her work, finding expression in countless ways, scales, and materials. For Ms. Strong-Cuevas, who lives in Amagansett, the head is connected to the mind. "I've forever been interested in powers of mind," she told The Star in a 2019 interview.
"This inspiration to use the human form, whether it be painted or sculpted, and alter its appearance, challenges, enchants, and motivates artists to constantly create," says Ms. Strassfield, who is also the director and chief curator of Guild Hall Museum. "All three of these artists have used the human form or versions of it in their own way, and have created their unique approach and style."
Talks, tours, films, and workshops will complement the exhibition. Two of Ms. Jokel's films, "Hal Buckner: Art Is How You See It," and "Strong-Cuevas Sculpture II: I Like to Be Awed," will be shown on Aug. 7 at 5 p.m. Both artists and Ms. Jokel will be present for a discussion about the films and a reception to follow.
