Claire Falkenstein: Beyond Sculpture (Photo – Rebekah Seager).
Beyond Sculpture showcases the work of Claire Falkenstein, a versatile and prolific artist who lived through most of the 20th century. Educated at Berkeley, Falkenstein spent thirteen years living in Paris before returning to California. In 1963 she settled in Venice Beach, where she lived until her death at age 89.
The range of work shown at the Pasadena Museum of California Art encompasses the whole of Falkenstein’s career. A self-portrait titled “Skeptical at Nineteen,” painted in 1927-28 is on display, as are pieces from the 1980s and 1990s. In the themes and titles of her work, the influence of events including World War II and the Los Angeles Riots are evident.
The diversity of Falkenstein’s work is impressive. Known mostly for her sculptures, Falkenstein also painted, made prints, and designed jewelry. All of these art forms are incorporated in this exhibition. Among the unlikely objects on display are early ceramics, and early wooden sculpture with moving parts.
Flora sculpture by Claire Falkenstein (Photo – ppmcaonline.org).
One highlight of the show is the sculpture Flora (Topology), made of sheet bronze and a kinetic motor. Curator Jay Belloli* has been known to turn the motor on as a demonstration when he is at the exhibit. Jae Carmichael’s 1977 film “Claire Falkenstein, sculptor,” played on a loop, is a valuable addition. It is a treat to hear Falkenstein’s clear description of her ideas about form and image.
*On Saturday, July 23, Curator Jay Belloli led an exhibition walkthrough focusing on the way Falkenstein’s movement from California to Europe and back had on her work.
> “Claire Falkenstein: Beyond Sculpture” runs through September 11, 2016.
Rebekah Seeger is a writer and Pasadena resident. She loves a good story, and her curiosity has taken her all over the map. She’s been writing forever, it’s hard to think of a time when she wasn’t writing. She dabbles in acting, likes vegetable gardening, dogs, and sports.
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