Complex Possessed

Slag Gallery is pleased to present Complex Possessed, a new body of work by Sarah Fuhrman.

Sarah Fuhrman’s paintings circle around issues of ecology, observational play, and the study of human behavior.  In recent works, she has been pouring paint in order to create specific ambiances or birds’ eye views of landscapes, which resemble satellite images. These poured landscapes allow chance and happenstance to infuse the work process, as they rarely reference specific geographical locations. After spending time with the pours of paint, Fuhrman allows both the intellect and the subconscious to direct her, and subsequently the viewer, through a journey of narrative, dream like spaces. Fuhrman sources contemporary socio-political events from various readings, and content from but not limited to design movements, symbolism, retro-kitsch, ornate patterns, and all manner of textures running the gambit from seductive to grotesque. Over time, these renderings allow Fuhrman to implant an array of traumatic, ecstatic, or spectacular multi-ethnic friezes in a surreal and quirky world. The combination of such a vast array of curated forms and spaces results in destabilizing the viewer and prompting experiences of inter-personal memories, places, and active figuration. The viewing of the work also turns simultaneously topographical and inclusive while questioning screen culture, visual pleasure and play.

Sarah Fuhrman received an MFA from SUNY Purchase School of Art & Design in 2015.  Fuhrman has exhibited in multiple group shows including Select Art Fair in Chelsea, the Mohawk Hudson Regional in Albany, New York, Fuchs Project Space, Green point Gallery, Momenta Art, September Gallery and Slag Contemporary. In this past year alone she has also been awarded scholarships and residencies by the Ora Lermann Charitable Trust, The Vermont Studio Center, and Azule Artist’s Retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Fuhrman lives and works in Highland Park, Brooklyn.